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The Secret of Spanish Morocco: Why did Spain dare to set up two spheres of influence in the Moroccan protectorate?
The history of Spanish Morocco was driven by the interests of the great powers, especially the expansion of Spain and France on the African continent. For example, on November 27, 1912, under an agreement between France and Spain, Morocco became a Spanish protectorate. This strategy not only expanded Spain's sphere of influence but also strengthened its position in Europe.
Spain's colonial desire was to protect its own interests, especially in the face of the growing power of other European countries. Morocco's mineral resources attracted Spain's attention, and its geographical location made Spain feel it was necessary to strengthen its control over North Africa.
Historical background
At the end of the 19th century, Spain faced the decline of its colonial empire. In the Spanish-American War of 1898, Spain lost its last colonies. Since then, Spain has turned its attention to Morocco. During this period, Morocco attracted the attention of major powers due to its geographical unfamiliarity and prosperous resources. In particular, France's expansion in Morocco aroused Spanish anxiety.
According to the 1904 Anglo-French Agreement, Spain was officially recognized as having a sphere of influence in Morocco. Behind this agreement is the Spanish elite's desire to maintain its influence on the European stage.
Formation and development
In 1904, Spain and France signed a treaty defining their respective spheres of influence. Under this treaty, Spain gained spheres of influence in northern and southern Morocco. The southern region, in particular, was subsequently formally incorporated into Spanish Morocco in 1912. Spain claimed control of areas bordering the Sahara Desert, giving them a dominant position in subsequent negotiations.
Political and economic system
The Spanish protectorate system is based on the concept of a dual act. The Caliph, appointed by Spain, was responsible for local administration, while the Spanish High Commissioner was responsible for foreign and military affairs. This administrative system allowed Spain to extend its control to different regions of Morocco.
Spanish policy not only explores the extraction of economic resources, but also focuses on the construction of local administration to build a stable governance framework. This effort gave rise to a new impetus for social development and identity in Morocco during the colonial period.
The Moroccan Independence Movement and the Influence of Spain
With the rise of the independence movement in the 1940s and 1950s, Morocco began to pursue its desire to completely separate from Spanish Morocco. Spain's supporters and opponents are fiercely debated in Morocco's political arena. When France ended its protection of Morocco in 1956, Spain also ended its control of the north.
Nonetheless, tensions between France and Spain remain, and Morocco's liberation is not just a political matter, but also a reflection on its colonial past.
Conclusion
Although Spanish control of the Moroccan protectorate was historically part of its colonial policy, the results of this policy had a profound impact on Morocco's independence and cultural identity. With the advent of independence, the deconstruction of the Spanish protectorate also meant that Morocco was repositioning itself on the geopolitical stage.
In this rapidly changing era of globalization, looking back at the history of Spanish Morocco, let us think: How far-reaching is the impact of colonial history on contemporary international relations?
