The exodus began once it became clear that Algeria would become independent. In Algiers, it was reported that by May 1961 the "Pieds-Noirs' " morale had sunk because of violence and allegations that the entire community of French nationals had been responsible for "terrorism, torture, colonial racism, and ongoing violence in general" and because the group felt "rejected by the nation as "Pieds-Noirs" ". These factors, the Oran Massacre, and the referendum for independence caused the "Pied-Noir" exodus to begin in earnest.