The Decolonization of the Spanish-French Protectorate of Morocco (1953-1956): Between Terrorism and International Negotiation

Abstract

The decolonization of the Spanish-French Protectorate of Morocco initiated after the dethronement of Sultan Mohammed V on August 20, 1953 was a process that was accelerated as a result of the action of terrorism. The way in which the French protectorate administration managed this event unilaterally, without the favor of either Spain or the international community, ended up precipitating that over the next three years the Protectorate of Morocco was plunged into a climate of strong socio-political instability capitalized by the action of terrorism sponsored by the nationalist elements as an instrument to achieve the emancipation of the Alaouite country. The colonial conflict in the Protectorate could only be quelled when France finally agreed to hold diplomatic negotiations with the Moroccan nationalist movements and the legitimate sultan, culminating in the recognition of Morocco’s independence in March 1956.