Editing Tunis (section)

===Development under the French protectorate===
{{see also|History of French-era Tunisia}}
[[File:Tunisia view 1890s2.jpg|right|thumb|View of Tunis c. 1890–1900. Zaytuna Mosque is slightly right of center.]]
[[File:Plan tunis 1890 1914.jpg|left|thumb|Urban evolution between 1890 and 1914]]
[[File:Bab Suika-Suker Square, Tunis, Tunisia, ca. 1899.jpg|thumb|[[Bab Souika]] Square in Tunis, ca. 1899]]

The creation of the [[French protectorate of Tunisia|French protectorate]] in 1881 was a turning point in Tunis's history, leading to rapid redevelopment of the city in the span of two to three decades. The city quickly spread out of its fortifications: it divided into a traditional Arab-populated old city, and a new city populated by immigrants, with a different structure from that of the traditional [[Medina of Tunis|medina]]. Tunis also benefited from the French construction of a [[Water supply network|water supply]], natural gas and electricity networks, [[public transport]] services, and other public infrastructure.

Under French rule, a substantial number of Europeans settled (like the [[Tunisian Italians]]); half of the population was European in origin.<ref>Albert Habib Hourani, Malise Ruthven (2002). "''[https://books.google.com/books?id=egbOb0mewz4C&pg=PA323 A history of the Arab peoples]''". Harvard University Press. p.323. {{ISBN|0-674-01017-5}}</ref> The city expanded and created new boulevards and neighborhoods.

Tunis was quiet during the First World War. After the war, the city faced new transformations as the modern portion grew in importance and extended its network of boulevards and streets in all directions. In addition, a series of satellite cities emerged on the urban rim and encroached on the municipality of Tunis proper. In the economic sphere, commercial activities expanded and diversified as modern industries continued to grow, while traditional industry continued to decline.

During World War II, Tunis was held by [[Axis powers|Axis]] forces from November 1942 to May 1943. It was their last base in Africa, as they retreated towards [[Sicily]] after being surrounded by [[Allies of World War II|Allied]] forces from Algeria to the west and from Libya to the east.<ref>Rolf, David, ''The Bloody Road to Tunis: Destruction of the Axis Forces in North Africa, November 1942 – May 1943''. London: Greenhill Books, {{ISBN|978-1-85367-445-7}}</ref> 
On 7 May 1943, at about 15:30 in the afternoon, Tunis fell to troops of [[First Army (United Kingdom)|British 1st Army]] and the [[First United States Army|U.S. 1st Army]], which had defeated the [[5th Panzer Army|German 5th Panzer Army]] guarding the city. At midday on 20 May 1943, the Allies held a victory parade on Avenue Maréchal Galliéni, and Avenue Jules Ferry, to signal the end of fighting in North Africa.<ref>Atkinson, Rick (2002), ''An Army at Dawn: The War in North Africa, 1942–1943''. New York: Henry Holt, {{ISBN|978-0-8050-6288-5}}</ref>

Having succeeded in driving the Axis powers out of Tunisia, the Allies used Tunis as a base of operations from which to stage [[amphibious assault]]s first against the island of [[Pantelleria]], and then [[Sicily]], and finally the mainland of [[Italy]].<ref>Atkinson, Rick (2007), ''The Day of Battle: The War in Sicily and Italy, 1943–1944''. New York: Henry Holt, {{ISBN|978-0-8050-6289-2}}</ref>