King Mohammed V
Mohammed V, the last Sultan and first King of Morocco, was instrumental in leading Morocco to independence from French and Spanish rule. Ascending as sultan in 1927, he initially cooperated with colonial authorities but gradually supported the nationalist movement. During WWII, he backed the Allies and protected Moroccan Jews. Mohammed’s powerful appeal for independence in 1947 heightened tensions with France, leading to his exile. His eventual return in 1955 spurred successful negotiations for Morocco’s freedom, after which he assumed kingship in 1957.

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MOHAMMED V OF MOROCCO
Mohammed V of Morocco also known as Sidi Mohammed bin Yusef was born on August 10, 1909, in Fes, Morocco, He was the third son of Sultan Yusef bin Hassan. His early years coincided with Morocco’s transition to a French protectorate following the Treaty of Fes in 1912. While his father, the Sultan, was largely based in Rabat, Mohammed spent much of his childhood in the Royal Palace in Fes, receiving a traditional education in Arabic and religious studies. Additionally, he learned French to facilitate communication with colonial authorities, although he never mastered the language.
At the age of 17, following the death of his father in 1927, Mohammed bin Yusef ascended to the throne, becoming Sultan Mohammed V. His rule began under French oversight, as the colonial administration sought to assert control over Morocco. A pivotal moment came in 1930, when he signed the Berber Dahir, which altered the legal system in certain regions of Morocco. Though he was young and under considerable French influence, the decision sparked widespread nationalist opposition and became a rallying point for those advocating Moroccan independence.
During World War II, Sultan Mohammed V played a significant diplomatic role. At the Anfa Conference in Casablanca in 1943, he met with U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. This meeting bolstered his hopes for Morocco’s independence, with Roosevelt reportedly assuring that the post-war world would see changes in colonial dynamics. This encounter was witnessed by Mohammed's son, Hassan II, who later recounted its significance for Morocco’s future.
Mohammed V is also remembered for his actions during the Vichy regime's rule in Morocco, which imposed anti-Jewish measures under Nazi influence. While some aspects of his role are debated among historians, many emphasize his efforts to protect Moroccan Jews from deportation and more severe restrictions. Although he signed decrees limiting Jewish access to certain institutions, he resisted harsher measures, and his stance earned him respect within the Jewish community.
As nationalist sentiment grew stronger, Mohammed V became a symbol of Moroccan aspirations for independence. His 1947 speeches in Tangier were particularly noteworthy, as he called for Morocco’s sovereignty and unity with the Arab world. These addresses marked a shift in his approach, aligning him more closely with the Moroccan nationalist movement, which saw him as a key figure in the struggle against French colonial rule.
By 1951, tensions between Mohammed V and the French authorities had reached a breaking point, leading to his exile in 1953 to Corsica and later to Madagascar. This move sparked widespread protests and resistance within Morocco, where his absence was deeply felt by the populace. The situation eventually forced the French government to negotiate, and on November 16, 1955, Mohammed V returned to Morocco to a hero’s welcome, symbolizing the end of the colonial era. His return paved the way for Morocco’s independence, formally achieved in 1956 through negotiations with both France and Spain.
Following independence, Mohammed V took on the title of King in 1957, signifying Morocco’s transition from a protectorate to a unified kingdom. He played a crucial role in fostering ties with the United States and supporting the Algerian independence movement. Domestically, he navigated challenges posed by political tensions and strikes, striving to maintain stability as Morocco emerged as a sovereign nation. He also encouraged intellectual discourse, hosting interfaith dialogues and scholarly conferences at the Benedictine monastery of Toumliline.
During his reign, Morocco's territorial ambitions were partially realized as the Moroccan Liberation Army secured parts of Ifni and Spanish Sahara. These gains were later solidified through agreements with Spain, expanding Morocco’s borders.
King Mohammed V passed away on February 26, 1961, following complications from a routine surgical procedure. His legacy endures through numerous landmarks named in his honor, such as Mohammed V International Airport and Mohammed V University, and through his central role in Morocco's path to independence. His son, Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, succeeded him as King Hassan II, continuing his father's vision for a modern and independent Morocco.
Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammed_V_of_Morocco
GOVERNING TIME LINE
Mohammed V of Morocco ruled from March 17, 1927, until his death on March 26, 1961. He ascended to the throne after the death of his father, Sultan Youssef. In 1953, he was deposed by French authorities due to his support for Moroccan nationalism, but he was reinstated on November 16, 1955, following widespread protests. His reign ended with his death in 1961.