Introduction: Life and background of Sultan Mohammed V
Have you ever wondered, my reader, who pushed Morocco
toward independence? A significant factor in the formation of Morocco's contemporary
character was Sultan Mohammed V, who guided the nation through some of its most
trying times. His leadership was based on unity, vision, and a desire to see
Morocco prosper as an independent state in addition to politics. On
August 10, 1909, Mohammed V, the son of Sultan
Moulay Youssef, was born in Fez, Morocco. He was the youngest of his
three brothers. He spent his childhood in the royal palace in Fez, which was
the capital of the country before the transition to Rabat.
Mohammed V received a typical Arabic early education, which largely
consisted of religious instruction and Arabic language courses, following the
traditional curricula. Sultan Youssef bin Hassan, his
father, had a big impact on his perspective and helped groom him for leadership
from a young age. Mohammed V's early exposure to established practices taught
him the importance of finding a balance between tradition and advancement.
The Accession to the Throne
Mohammed V was only eighteen when he took the throne on August 18,
1927. Despite his youth, he showed himself to be a capable and forceful leader right
away. However, given that the eldest son often assumes power
in monarchies, the reader may wonder how the younger brother became the Sultan
of Morocco when there was an elder sibling.
the French government supported Mohammed Ben Youssef's
choice as Sultan of Morocco because, according to historians, he was only
eighteen at the time, a young, inexperienced man who was not involved in
politics or government, so it would be easier for them to manipulate him and turn him into a puppet.
However, it seems that the estimates made by the French protection authorities were not entirely correct. Despite exercising his sovereign rights under the careful eye of
the highest authority, Mohammed V ignored the restrictions established for him
and maintained close ties with the leaders of the national movement.
His natural grasp of the political landscape allowed him to see that
freeing Morocco from French rule was essential to the country's destiny.
The young Sultan had to deal with expanding French and Spanish colonial
dominance, which ruled over a sizable portion of Morocco, in addition to
internal political difficulties upon his arrival. Despite these obstacles,
Mohammed V showed his will to uphold his nation's sovereignty right away.
World
War II (1939–1945) and Morocco’s Role
Did
you know, dear reader, that Morocco played a significant role during World War
II?
As a supporter of the Free French troops, Sultan Mohammed V contributed to Morocco's international standing. He developed close ties with European and American officials during this period, establishing Morocco as a major participant in the North African campaign.
In addition, Sultan Mohammed V made a daring declaration by defending Morocco's Jewish community under the Vichy dictatorship, a puppet government that collaborated with Nazi Germany.
During the Vichy government, anti-Semitic laws were passed in Morocco to restrict the rights of Moroccan Jews. Jews were excluded from some professions, subject to discriminatory laws, and had their property seized. However, Sultan Mohammed V was against these measures. The Vichy government demanded that these discriminatory laws be fully enforced and that Moroccan Jews be protected from deportation to Nazi camps, but he refused to comply, famously asserting that Jews were an integral part of the Moroccan population.
These are excerpts from Mohammed V's speeches challenging the Vichy government: “There are no Jews in Morocco. There are only Moroccan subjects,” “Moroccan Jews are my subjects,” “… and it is my duty to protect them against aggression.”
He was highly respected by both his people and the international community for refusing to pass discriminatory laws in the face of pressure from the French occupiers.
Mohammed V remained steadfast in the face of pressure from the Axis powers, while many other leaders throughout the world buckled. His actions during this terrible period cemented his ties to the Moroccan people as a guardian of all racial and religious groups, in addition to protecting Morocco's Jewish minority.
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| Jewish Mellah of Fez |
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| Jewish Mellah of Marrakech |
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| Entrance of the Mellah of Sefrou in 1930 |
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| Jewif Mellah of Casablanca |
Exile and Return: A Symbol of Resistance
The French
government took a bold step in 1953. They exiled Sultan Mohammed V to Madagascar
with the intention of stifling Morocco's growing nationalist movement. However,
their strategy failed. The Sultan's exile did not lessen his power; on the
contrary, it enhanced his standing as a symbol of defiance.
As cries for
the Sultan's return became louder, Moroccans united behind his cause. His exile
turned him into a national hero, and by 1955 the French government was
forced to permit his return. A major turning point in Morocco's path toward
independence was his victorious return.
Sultan Mohammed
V didn't spend any time in promoting Morocco's independence after his return.
The culmination of his efforts came in 1956 with the recognition of
Moroccan sovereignty by France and Spain. This moment
marked a new chapter in the country’s history, one that was shaped by Mohammed
V’s leadership and vision.
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| Sultan Mohammed V and his family in exile in Madagascar in 1954 |
Around the Sultan, from left to right: Princess Lalla Aicha (died September 4, 2011), Prince Moulay Hassan (future King Hassan II), Princess Lalla Malika, Prince Moulay Abdellah and Princess Lalla Nezha. The Sultan holds on his knees the youngest of the young princesses, Princess Lalla Amina.
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| The return of Sultan Mohammed V from exile in 1955 |
Sultan Becomes King: Transition to Monarchy
In 1957, a year after Morocco’s
independence, Sultan Mohammed V officially assumed the title of King, marking
the transition from a sultanate to a modern monarchy. This title change
symbolized Morocco’s new status as a sovereign nation and solidified his role
as a modern ruler.
As King, Mohammed V continued to implement
reforms that aimed at modernizing the country while respecting its traditions.
His vision for a balanced approach to governance would shape Morocco’s path for
years to come.
Under his reign, Morocco
underwent important social reforms, such as the growth of the educational
system, the construction of new infrastructure, and efforts to combat poverty. He
recognized that the true power of a nation is rooted in the welfare of its
populace, and he diligently endeavored to transform Morocco's recent
independence into concrete advantages for its citizens.
Diplomacy and International Relations
Mohammed V's vision extended beyond domestic
issues; he actively sought to elevate Morocco's status internationally. His
initiatives to enhance relationships with both Western and Arab countries
established a crucial groundwork for the nation's future diplomatic endeavors.
By cultivating connections with the United States, the Soviet Union, and other significant global actors, Mohammed V played a pivotal role in positioning Morocco as a notable participant in international affairs. His skillful maneuvering within the complexities of Cold War dynamics showcased his exceptional diplomatic expertise.
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Crown prince Hassan II, President Dwight Eisenhower and King Mohammed V |
Commemorations and Memorials
Sultan Mohammed
V passed away on February 26, 1961. He has been honored with a number of memorials and landmarks in commemoration of
his major accomplishments. One of the most popular tourist destinations in
Morocco is the Mohammed V Mausoleum in Rabat, where he is buried
alongside his sons. This monument bears witness to his enduring influence and the
deep respect Moroccans have for him.
In addition, Mohammed
V University in Rabat is named in his honor, reflecting his dedication to
education and progress.
Mausoleum of Mohammed V Rabat
The Tomb of King Mohammed V and his two sons, King Hassan II, and Prince Abdallah
The Royal Guard of Mausoleum Mohammed V
Legacy and Lasting
Influence
The influence
of Sultan Mohammed V goes beyond his crucial part in bringing about Moroccan
independence. Morocco and the world community have been significantly impacted
by his commitment to promoting international cooperation, social progress, and
unity.
His ideas and
policies, which guide Morocco in the modern era, are clear examples
of how his legacy lives on even after his death. His successors,
King Hassan II and King Mohammed VI have preserved
and advanced his goals for a prosperous and modern country.
Conclusion
One of the most
important periods in Moroccan history is the reign of Sultan Mohammed V. He led
the nation through the turbulent times of colonial control, the Second World
War, and the struggle for independence with sensitivity and vision. The
Moroccan people, as well as all those who value liberty, diplomacy, and
justice, find inspiration in his story, which continues to have a significant
influence on the development of Morocco's national identity.