The Aftermath of Revolt: Political Instability and the Fall of the Glaoui Clan

A significant demand of the rebels in 1911 was the dismissal of the grand vizier, Madani al-Glaoui. Consequently, one of the first actions taken by the French upon their arrival was the summary dismissal of Madani al-Glaoui and all members of his clan holding makhzan office. Although it seems strange given Madani al-Glaoui's later notoriety as the pasha of Marrakech, there was considerable suspicion of his loyalties within French military and diplomatic circles at Fez. General Charles Mangin was convinced that Madani had intrigued against the military mission, and French consul Henri Gaillard held grave doubts about his reliability. His brother, al-Hajj Tahami, was considered more favorable to France, being a protege of the Compagnie Marocaine. Initially, the French thought it best to strip the entire family of power in a comprehensive house-cleaning effort. The makhzan at Fez fell into the hands of Muhammad al-Muqri and his clan, who were less influential in the new circumstances. In Marrakech, the chief candidate to fill the vacuum left by the withdrawal of the Glaoui clan was Abd al-Malik al-Mtouggui, a long-time rival of the Glaoui family and more militantly anti-French.

Political Instability and the Fall of the Glaoui Clan

The Glaoui Clan's Resignation and Political Maneuvering

Rapid changes of fortune were common in Moroccan politics, so the clan of al-Glaoui initially accepted their fate with stoic resignation. However, they later became apprehensive that Abd al-Hafiz intended to seize their considerable properties in the south and sought British intervention on their behalf. In the meantime, talk of jihad circulated in the Chaouia and Marrakech regions. In mid-June, after British representations on behalf of al-Hajj Tahami, an agreement was reached whereby he was allowed to list his relatives for French protection and immunities accorded by the Quai d'Orsay. Further negotiations between the makhzan, France, and al-Hajj Tahami, with the British minister Sir Reginald Lister as an interested party, resulted in a final settlement. Al-Hajj Tahami was permitted to retain his properties in Marrakech, and the Glaoui clan agreed to pay the Moroccan treasury the equivalent of 20,000 pounds sterling. This settlement was a half-measure at best, leaving unresolved the tense and ambiguous political situation in the south. Al-Hajj Tahami had not been reappointed as pasha of Marrakech, nor had any other Glaoui chiefs received confirmation of their positions. Al-Mtouggui made several efforts to take over tribes formerly under Glaoui sway, and the tribes at Demnat revolted against their Glaoui qaid. The French exacerbated the situation by refraining from openly favoring either candidate, as the sultan was still the legal authority in the state and the French could only advise. The new pasha appointed for Marrakech was Idris Wuld al-Hajj Minu (Driss Menou), a notoriously corrupt retainer of Abd al-Hafiz. From his arrival in Marrakech, Minu opposed France, collected taxes with vigor equal to al-Glaoui's, and extorted additional contributions. As the sultan's business associate, he began illegally selling makhzan properties and engaging in land speculation, irritating local merchants and resident Europeans. He also engaged in anti-French propaganda and encouraged open defiance against France. From the French perspective, Minu's appointment was a disaster.

Efforts to Reinstate al-Hajj Tahami

Efforts to reinstate al-Hajj Tahami began in October 1911 with British sponsorship. Despite strong pressure from French diplomatic agents on the sultan, he continued to procrastinate. The situation in Marrakech grew more unstable as tension mounted between al-Mtouggui and Glaoui factions. By April 1912, Minu remained firmly ensconced in Marrakech, contributing to the political instability that played a significant role in the rise of a new pretender in the south following the signing of the protectorate treaty. The behavior of Mawlay Abd al-Hafiz following the occupation of Fez set the tone for the rest of his people. He was willfully obstructionist in matters of administration like the Glaoui succession controversy and skillfully exploited the ambiguities surrounding his position. Notably, he sold makhzan properties for his benefit, a practice that undermined his legitimacy in the eyes of his people and made him millions of Moroccan pesetas. Working through a local agent in Marrakech, Abd al-Hafiz engaged in profitable land speculation. Moroccan law made no clear distinction between lands that were part of the national patrimony (and therefore inalienable) and the personal property of the monarch. This practice continued up to the eve of his abdication, further damaging his reputation and legitimacy.

The Broader Political Context and Implications

The dismissal of Madani al-Glaoui and the subsequent political maneuvers highlight the broader context of political instability and power struggles in early 20th-century Morocco. The French administration's efforts to consolidate control and implement reforms were met with resistance from various factions within Moroccan society. The political dynamics in the south, particularly in Marrakech, were influenced by the competition between different power groups, including the Glaoui and al-Mtouggui factions. The French administration's attempts to navigate these complexities and maintain stability often led to further tensions and conflicts. The events in Marrakech and the south also reflected broader themes of resistance to colonial rule and the challenges of establishing effective governance in a colonial context. The French administration's reliance on local collaborators and the need to balance competing interests created a complex and often volatile political landscape.

Tensions Between French Diplomats and Military

The political instability in Marrakech exemplified the broader tensions between French diplomats and military officials during the protectorate period. The dismissal of the Glaoui clan and the appointment of Idris Wuld al-Hajj Minu were influenced by differing priorities and strategies within the French administration. Diplomats like Henri Gaillard favored a more subtle and patient approach in dealing with Moroccan leaders, while military officials like General Mangin prioritized security and control. These internal divisions within the French administration complicated efforts to implement a coherent and effective policy in Morocco. The conflicting approaches often led to delays and misunderstandings, further exacerbating the challenges of colonial governance. The involvement of British officials, such as Sir Reginald Lister, in negotiating settlements and advocating for the Glaoui clan highlighted the international dimension of Moroccan politics. The British had their interests in the region and sought to influence the course of events to their advantage. Their support for al-Hajj Tahami and their efforts to mediate conflicts between different factions added another layer of complexity to the political landscape. The political instability and power struggles in Marrakech and the south had significant impacts on local communities. The competition between different factions disrupted traditional power structures and created uncertainty for ordinary Moroccans. The displacement of established leaders like the Glaoui clan and the appointment of new officials like Idris Wuld al-Hajj Minu led to changes in governance and administration, affecting everyday life in the region. Local communities also bore the brunt of the broader geopolitical struggles between colonial powers and competing interests. The imposition of new taxes, land confiscations, and changes in property ownership created economic hardships and fueled resentment against the French administration and its local collaborators.

The Rise of a New Pretender

The political instability in Marrakech and the broader south region created a fertile ground for the rise of a new pretender. The unresolved tensions and power struggles left a vacuum that could be exploited by ambitious leaders seeking to challenge the existing order. The signing of the protectorate treaty in 1912 further intensified these dynamics, as different factions vied for influence and control under the new colonial framework. The emergence of a new pretender reflected the broader theme of resistance to colonial rule and the ongoing struggle for power and legitimacy in Morocco. The complex interplay of local, national, and international factors created a volatile and dynamic political environment. The aftermath of the revolt and the Second Moroccan Crisis marked a period of significant political instability and power struggles in Morocco. The dismissal of Madani al-Glaoui and the subsequent political maneuvers highlight the broader context of resistance to colonial rule and the complexities of governance in a colonial context. The political dynamics in Marrakech and the south, influenced by competition between different power groups, created a volatile and unstable political landscape. The French administration's efforts to navigate these complexities and maintain stability were met with resistance and further tensions. The broader political context and implications of these events reflect the challenges of colonial rule and the enduring impact of these historical dynamics on Morocco's development and political landscape. The legacy of this period continues to influence Morocco's ongoing quest for modernization and national identity. The interactions between French diplomats and military officials, the role of British influence, and the impact on local communities all contributed to the complexity of the situation. The rise of a new pretender in the south further underscored the challenges of establishing effective governance and the ongoing struggle for power and legitimacy in Morocco.

Conclusion

Overall, the period following the Second Moroccan Crisis was marked by significant challenges and upheavals, reflecting the broader dynamics of colonial rule and resistance in early 20th-century Morocco. The events and developments of this period continue to resonate in the country's history and its ongoing journey towards a unified and independent future.