Before the Spanish invasion, Morocco was ruled by the Alaouite dynasty, a royal family that has maintained power since the 17th century. This dynasty has played a pivotal role in shaping Morocco’s identity and political landscape. Specifically, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Spain established its protectorate over parts of Morocco, Sultan Abdelhafid (reigned from 1908 to 1912) was the sovereign ruler. His reign was marked by political turbulence and external pressures, culminating in the Treaty of Fez in 1912. This treaty effectively placed Morocco under colonial rule, dividing the country into French and Spanish protectorates. Despite this division, the sultan retained a symbolic role as a unifying figure for Moroccan identity and resistance.
The Spanish protectorate covered significant northern regions of Morocco, including Tetouan and the Rif region. Even though colonial powers imposed administrative control, the Alaouite dynasty continued to symbolize Moroccan sovereignty and cultural heritage. The period of colonization saw increasing nationalist sentiments, with the Moroccan population resisting foreign domination through both armed uprisings and diplomatic negotiations. Sultan Mohammed V, who ascended to power in the mid-20th century, became a central figure in Morocco’s independence movement. His leadership and vision inspired a nationwide struggle against colonial rule.
Morocco’s attempts to reclaim its land after Spain’s departure were driven by a strong nationalist movement that gained momentum after World War II. This era saw the rise of political organizations and grassroots movements advocating for independence. Sultan Mohammed V’s vocal opposition to colonialism and his subsequent exile by French authorities in 1953 galvanized public support for the independence cause. His return from exile in 1955 marked a turning point, leading to Morocco’s successful negotiations for independence.
In 1956, Morocco regained its independence from both France and Spain, marking the end of the protectorate era. However, certain territories remained under Spanish control, such as the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla and the Spanish Sahara (now known as Western Sahara). Morocco has continuously sought to reclaim these regions through diplomatic efforts and, in some cases, military actions. The most notable of these was the Green March in 1975, where hundreds of thousands of Moroccans marched into Western Sahara to assert their claim over the territory following Spain’s withdrawal.
Today, Morocco remains under the rule of the Alaouite dynasty, with King Mohammed VI as the current monarch. His reign reflects the enduring legacy of his ancestors, who navigated the country through periods of colonial challenge and led it towards sovereignty and modernization. Morocco’s history of resilience and determination continues to shape its national identity and political aspirations in the contemporary era.
