Morocco’s Independence: Internal Strife
& External Influence
Morocco gained liberation
in 1956 after more than 40 years as a French Protectorate (though Spain had controlled
the northern third of the country as well as the Western
Sahara. Morocco’s path to independence was a gradual process that extended
over several decades. Earlier to gaining independence, Morocco
had been under French and Spanish colonial rule.
In the early 20th
century, Moroccan nationalism instigated to
emerge as a response to foreign control. The movement sought to reclaim Moroccan independence and preserve the country’s
cultural and political identity. Key figures in the nationalist movement
included leaders such as Allal al-Fassi and Muhammad V, who played significant roles in encouraging
for independence. In this article, we aim to shed light on the historical
context leading up to Morocco’s pre-independence era.
💻Table of Contents:
- Treaty of Fez: A Turning Point in Morocco’s History
- France’s Exit: Morocco’s Path to Full Sovereignty
- Territorial Struggles: Spain’s Colonial Presence and Conflicts in Morocco
- Diplomacy and Opposition: Paved the Way for Morocco’s Independence
- Morocco’s Independence: Spain’s Gradual Withdrawal
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| Blue painted streets in Morocco |
Treaty of Fez: A
Turning Point in Morocco’s History
Before gaining
independence, Morocco had been under the colonial rule of both France and
Spain. The primary cause of the French occupation can be documented to the
imperialistic ambitions of European powers
during the period known as the Scramble for Africa.
In the late 1800s, France, along with other
European nations, sought to expand their colonial empires and secure resources
and markets in Africa. Morocco, with its
strategic location on the northwest coast of the continent, became a target for
colonization. The French gradually increased their presence and influence in
Morocco through diplomatic managerial and economic interests. In 1904, France
and Britain signed the Entente Cordiale, which defined their respective spheres of influence in North Africa. According to this agreement, Morocco
fell under the French sphere of influence.
In 1912, France and
Morocco signed the Treaty of Fez. This treaty
established a French protectorate over Morocco, effectively diminishing
Moroccan sovereignty and granting France substantial control over the country’s
political, economic, and administrative affairs. The causes of the French
occupation can be traced to several factors.
First, Morocco’s
geopolitical significance as a gateway to the Mediterranean
and its rich resources, including agriculture, mining, and trade routes, made
it an attractive target for colonization. Furthermore, the weakness of the Moroccan Sultanate and internal divisions within the
country contributed to the French occupation. Morocco experienced political
instability and conflicts among different factions, which the French exploited
to establish their control.
Additionally, the French
justified their occupation by claiming they were bringing modernization,
development, and stability to Morocco. They implemented policies aimed at
introducing their legal and administrative systems, modernizing infrastructure,
and promoting economic interests. However, these policies were often
implemented to serve French interests rather than benefit the Moroccan
population.
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| Entente Cordiale celebrations 1905 |
It’s important to note that the French occupation was met with
resistance from the Moroccan people. Throughout the occupation, nationalist
movements and leaders emerged, advocating for independence and the restoration
of Moroccan sovereignty. The struggle for independence would eventually
culminate in Morocco regaining its freedom in 1956.
Overall, the French
occupation of Morocco was driven by imperialistic ambitions, geopolitical
interests, and the weakening of the Moroccan state. It had a profound impact on
the country’s history, culture, and socio-political landscape, shaping the path
towards independence and the subsequent development of modern Morocco.
France’s Exit:
Morocco’s Path to Full Sovereignty
Negotiations between
France and Moroccan nationalist leaders took place, and on March 2, 1956,
France officially recognized Morocco’s independence. The French government,
under Prime Minister Guy Mollet, signed the
Moroccan-French Joint Declaration, acknowledging Morocco’s sovereignty and
granting it independence.
While the declaration
marked an important milestone, the process of France’s complete withdrawal took
several years. France continued to have economic and diplomatic ties with
Morocco, and negotiations on various aspects of the relationship between the
two countries continued.
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Territorial Struggles:
Spain’s Colonial Presence and Conflicts in Morocco
Spain’s historical
involvement in Morocco’s history spans several centuries and is marked by
periods of colonization, conflicts, and territorial disputes. Spain’s initial
contact with Morocco dates back to the medieval era when Islamic kingdoms ruled
the Iberian Peninsula. The Moors, as they were known, crossed the Strait of Gibraltar and established their rule in
parts of present-day Spain and Portugal. The
Christian recapture gradually pushed the Moors out of the Iberian Peninsula,
and by the late 15th century, Spain had regained control over its territories.
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| Allal al Fassi 1951 |
In the early 16th
century, Spain embarked on a period of expansion and colonization, seeking to
establish a global empire. Morocco, with its proximity to Spain and strategic
importance, became a target for Spanish ambitions. Spanish forces conducted
military campaigns and established footholds along the Moroccan coast,
including the cities of Ceuta and Melilla. Throughout
the following centuries, Spain’s presence in Morocco fluctuated. Spain faced
resistance from local populations and rival European powers, which led to
territorial losses and conflicts. However, Spain maintained its hold on Ceuta,
Melilla, and other smaller enclaves along the northern coast of Morocco.
During the 19th and
early 20th centuries, Spain, along with other European powers, sought to
exploit Morocco’s resources and strategic position. Spain engaged in
negotiations and agreements with France, such as the Treaty of Wad Ras in 1860, which defined the borders between Spanish and French
zones in northern Morocco. In 1912, Spain, through separate negotiations,
established its own protectorate over certain regions in northern Morocco,
including cities like Tangier and Tetouan. The
Spanish protectorate aimed to secure Spanish economic and political interests
in the region, but it faced resistance from local populations and nationalist
movements.
Spain’s rule in the
protectorate was marked by various policies and initiatives, including the
implementation of its legal system, infrastructure development, and economic
exploitation. However, similar to the French occupation, Spanish control was
met with opposition and calls for independence.
Morocco regained its
independence from Spain in 1956, following a period of nationalist movements
and negotiations. While Spain withdrew from most of its territories in Morocco,
it retained control over the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, which continue to
be points of contention between Morocco and Spain.
Overall, Spain’s
historical involvement in Morocco’s history includes periods of colonization,
conflicts, and the establishment of a protectorate. Spain’s presence in Morocco
has had a lasting impact on the region’s history and continues to influence
diplomatic relations between the two countries today.
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| Mohammed V King of Morocco |
Diplomacy and Opposition: Paved the Way
for Morocco’s Independence
In 1944, the
nationalist movement gained further momentum with the issuance of the “Manifesto of Independence,” which demanded an end
to the French protectorate status and the establishment of an independent
Moroccan state. The manifesto called for unity among Moroccans and emphasized
the importance of preserving the country’s cultural heritage. Tensions reached
a peak in 1953 when protests exploded in Casablanca.
The protests were met with a heavy-handed response from the French authorities.
Muhammad V, who had been exiled by the French, became a symbol of resistance
and a rallying point for the independence movement.
International
pressure and changing geopolitical dynamics also played a role in Morocco’s
path to independence. The decolonization movement,
the growing Cold War dynamics, and the shifting
attitudes of the international community towards colonialism all contributed to
the recognition of Morocco’s right to self-governance. Negotiations between the
French and Moroccan nationalist leaders, including Muhammad V, led to the
signing of the “La Celle-Saint-Cloud Agreements”
in 1955. These agreements recognized Morocco’s right to self-government and set
the stage for the country’s independence. On March 2, 1956, Morocco officially
gained independence from France. Muhammad V returned from exile and was
reinstated as the country’s monarch. The independence of Morocco was met with
joyous celebrations across the nation, as Moroccans finally regained control
over their destiny.
Morocco’s
Independence: Spain’s Gradual Withdrawal
Spain’s gradual
withdrawal from its territories in Morocco in the mid-20th century marked a
pivotal moment in Morocco’s struggle for independence. Fueled by nationalist
movements and international pressure, Spain engaged in negotiations, leading to
the signing of the Treaty of Angra de Cintra in
1956. While Spain officially granted Morocco independence, retaining control
over Ceuta and Melilla led to ongoing tensions. Despite occasional challenges,
Spain’s departure marked the end of its colonial era in Morocco, empowering the
nation to assert full sovereignty and shaping the foundation for modern
bilateral relations.
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| Market in Morocco |
Conclusion:
The independence of
Morocco marked a significant milestone in the nation’s history. The struggle
for sovereignty against French and Spanish colonial rule showcased the
resilience and determination of the Moroccan people. While the process of
gaining independence was a complex one, involving negotiations, protests, and
international pressure on the colonizing powers. Eventually, France and Spain
recognized Morocco’s right to self-government, leading to the country’s
independence in 1956.
It’s important to
note that while Morocco gained independence, there were still certain areas,
such as the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, that remained under Spanish
control. These enclaves continue to be a topic of disagreement between Morocco
and Spain. Finally, a insightful analysis of modern Moroccan history reveals
that internal conflicts within a country pave the way for the intervention of
external powers.
