French Morocco

The French Morocco came into existence with the rise of French power in Morocco in the 20th century. The convenient location and the natural resources of Morocco had caused a temptation among the European powers in Africa to gain control over Morocco. In the 15th century, after the successful Portuguese efforts to control the Atlantic coast of the country, the European powers started to think about establishing their colonies in Morocco. In as early as 1830, France showed a keen interest in Morocco.

The formation of French Morocco came into light when the United Kingdom recognized France's 'sphere of influence' in Morocco in 1904. With the validation of France's 'special position' by Algeciras Conference in 1906, this recognition was further confirmed. In the Conference France and Spain jointly received the power of policing on Morocco. The realization of French Morocco was made into a reality when the Treaty of Fez made Morocco a protectorate of France in 1912.

Under the French protectorate, a big number of nationalist political parties emerged. Following the conclusion of the World War II, these political parties started a firm campaign for independence. The nationalist political parties of Morocco put forward the norms of the Atlantic Charter to serve as a base for the independence movement.

The relation between French rulers and Morocco worsened when France exiled the highly respected Sultan Mohammed V in 1953. The active opposition to the French rule led to Morocco's independence in 1956.