Political Conflict in Morocco Prior to the French Protectorate

Abstract

This paper discusses periods of political conflict that defined Morocco before the French protectorate in 1912 and focuses on three main areas of study. The first analyses the political rivalry between two ancient families –Al Alboukhari and Al Jamiai – during the second half of the 19th century, especially during the reign of Hassan I (1873 - 1894). The second examines two movements that contributed to the depletion of Moroccan state, the first one under Jilali Ben Idris Zerhouni and his armed confrontation with the armies of the Sultan Abdul Aziz; and the second under Rissouli, which was known for its abduction of foreigners that led to strained relations between Maghzen and the foreign powers. The third area of study unveils the conflict between the direct political actors Sultan Abdul Aziz and his brother Abdul Hafeez, and the resulting internal political dynamics accompanied by the emergence of constitutional writing and forms of political contracting. Through these events, the paper portrays the political mechanisms used during a critical period of Morocco marked by the then-impending fall of Morocco to the French protectorate in 1912.