Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1943-45
When the Allies struggle in Italy, US General Patton calls in the Goums, Morocco's elite
force of mountain warriors. With daggers and night-time attacks, they advance the Allies
in Tuscany.
1944-53
Moroccan nationalists demand independence from France with increasing impatience.
Sultan Mohammed V is inclined to agree, and is exiled to Madagascar by the protectorate
for the crime of independent thought.
1955-56
Morocco successfully negotiates its independence from France, Spain cedes control over
most of its colonial claims within Morocco, and exiled nationalist Mohammed V returns as
king of independent Morocco.
1961
When Mohammed V dies suddenly, Hassan II becomes king. He transforms Morocco into
a constitutional monarchy in 1962, but the 'Years of Lead' deal heavy punishments for dis-
sent.
1975
The UN concludes that the Western Sahara is independent, but Hassan II concludes other-
wise, ordering the Green March to enforce Morocco's claims to the region and its phos-
phate reserves.
1981
After the Casablanca Uprising, the military rounds up dissenters and unionists nation-
wide. But demands for political reforms increase, and many political prisoners are later ex-
onerated.
1984
Morocco leaves the Organisation of African States (now the African Union) in protest
against the admission of Saharawi representatives. It remains the only African state out-
side the body to this day.
1994
Years of poor relations between Morocco and Algeria, primarily over the Western Sahara
issue, lead to the permanent closure of the border between the two countries.
