Morocco

The Entente Cordiale, signed on April 8, 1904, between the United Kingdom and France, marked a pivotal moment in Moroccan history. Although not directly involving Morocco, the treaty allowed France greater freedom in controlling Morocco, laying the groundwork for the establishment of the French Protectorate. This led to heightened nationalist sentiments within Morocco as movements for independence gained momentum. The agreement shaped the geopolitical landscape of North Africa throughout the early 20th century.

On March 30, 1912, the Treaty of Fez was signed, establishing the French Protectorate over Morocco. This transformed Morocco's political landscape as the country fell under French colonial rule, although it retained nominal independence. The treaty led to widespread resentment among Moroccans, who saw their sovereignty usurped, fueling nationalist movements. It marked the beginning of a new era in Morocco's history, with enduring effects on its socio-political structures and international relations.

The Casablanca Conference held from January 14 to 24, 1943, was a crucial World War II strategy meeting between Allied leaders Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill in Casablanca, Morocco. The conference established the unconditional surrender principle for the Axis Powers and laid plans for the Allied invasion of Sicily in 1943. The meeting underscored Morocco's strategic importance during the war, serving as a backdrop for key decisions that would influence the conflict's outcome.

On March 2, 1956, Morocco gained its full independence from France, culminating after years of nationalist struggle against colonial rule. The push for independence was led by King Mohammed V, who became a symbol of resistance against foreign domination. The negotiations resulted in France formally relinquishing its protectorate over Morocco, leading to the restoration of Moroccan sovereignty. This was a pivotal moment in the modern history of North Africa, as it influenced decolonization movements across the continent.

On July 10, 1971, a failed coup attempt took place against King Hassan II of Morocco, led by General Mohamed Medbouh and Colonel M'hamed Ababou. The plotters attacked the king's summer palace in Skhirat during his birthday celebration. The coup resulted in the deaths of a hundred people, but the king survived. This event highlighted tensions within the Moroccan military and government, leading to significant political shifts and a tighter control by Hassan II to secure his regime.

The Green March was a strategic mass demonstration in November 1975, coordinated by the Moroccan government to force Spain to hand over the disputed, autonomous semi-metropolitan province of Spanish Sahara to Morocco. The event was orchestrated by King Hassan II and involved 350,000 unarmed Moroccans who marched into the Sahara. This significant event resulted in the Madrid Accords, where Spain agreed to relinquish its hold, leading ultimately to the ongoing Western Sahara conflict.

The Casablanca Bread Riots were a series of protests that erupted on June 20, 1981, in response to the government's decision to increase the price of basic foodstuffs. The demonstrations began in Morocco's largest city, Casablanca, involving mainly working-class citizens frustrated by the economic conditions and lack of political freedoms. The protests were brutally suppressed by security forces, resulting in significant casualties and deaths. This event highlighted socio-political tensions in Morocco.

On July 23, 1999, Mohammed VI became the King of Morocco following the death of his father, King Hassan II. Known for his focus on economic liberalization, Mohammed VI implemented numerous socio-economic reforms aimed at modernizing the country. His rule has been marked by efforts to improve human rights, reduce poverty, and increase political freedom in Morocco. Under his reign, Morocco has seen significant advancements in infrastructure and education, although challenges remain in areas such as unemployment and public sector reform.

The Arab Spring protests reached Morocco on February 20, 2011, as thousands took to the streets demanding political reform, an end to corruption, and better economic opportunities. These demonstrations were largely peaceful and led to King Mohammed VI announcing constitutional reforms intended to meet some of the protesters' demands, including curbing some of the monarch's powers and increasing the role of the Prime Minister. Despite these changes, many felt the reforms did not go far enough to bring true democratic governance.

On September 8, 2023, a devastating earthquake struck the Marrakesh-Safi region of Morocco with a magnitude of 6.8. This catastrophic event resulted in significant loss of life and destruction, severely impacting both rural and urban areas. The disaster triggered a major national response involving international aid, highlighting the resilience of the Moroccan people in the face of natural calamities. Thousands were displaced, and reconstruction efforts have been a massive undertaking for the country.