Editing French protectorate in Morocco (section)

====1956 independence====
In late 1955, Muhammad V successfully negotiated the gradual restoration of Moroccan independence within a framework of French-Moroccan interdependence. Further negotiations for full independence culminated in the French-Moroccan Agreement signed in [[Paris]] on 2 March 1956.<ref>{{cite web|title=Déclaration commune|url=http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/traites/affichetraite.do?accord=TRA19560034|date=2 March 1956|publisher=[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development (France)]]|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |date=19 March 1956|title=French-Moroccan Declaration|url=https://archive.org/stream/departmentofstat341956unit_0#page/466/mode/1up|journal=Department of State Bulletin|publisher=Department of State|volume=XXXIV|issue=873|pages=466{{endash}}467}} (unofficial translation)</ref>

However, provisions in the ''protocole annexe'' of the March agreement as well the Cooperation Agreement of 28 May 1956, which stipulated among other things that each country should refrain from adopting policies that were incompatible with the interests of the other, constituted an impediment to full independence,<ref>Essemlali p. 2</ref> as was the right of France to maintain troops in Morocco during a transitional period of unspecified duration. The outspoken support of the Moroccans and Muhammad V for Algerian independence brought about the rapid collapse of these agreements and the worsening of Franco-Moroccan relations, especially after the Meknès riots of 23–28 November 1956 in the course of which several hundred Moroccans and more than 50 Europeans were killed.<ref>Essemlali p. 13, 19-21</ref> From a high of 350,000 in 1955, the number of European settlers dropped to 150,549 in 1963, and 25,343 in 1990.<ref>Pellegrini p. 5, 6.</ref> French-ownership of agricultural land was gradually eliminated following the nationalization decrees of 1959, 1963 and 1973.<ref>Pellegrini p. 8.</ref> Following unrelenting diplomatic pressure by Morocco, the last French troops were finally withdrawn 1 November 1961.<ref>Aouchar p. 22.</ref>

The internationalized city of [[Tangier]] was reintegrated with the signing of the [[Tangier Protocol]] on 29 October 1956.<ref>{{cite web|title=Final Declaration of the International Conference in Tangier and annexed Protocol. Signed at Tangier, on 29 October 1956 [1957] UNTSer 130; 263 UNTS 165 |url=http://www.worldlii.org/int/other/treaties/UNTSer/1957/130.html|date=1956}}</ref> The abolition of the Spanish protectorate and the recognition of Moroccan independence by Spain were negotiated separately and made final in the Joint Declaration of 7 April 1956.<ref>{{cite journal |date=23 April 1956|title=Spanish-Moroccan Declaration|url=https://archive.org/stream/departmentofstat341956unit_0#page/667/mode/1up|journal=Department of State Bulletin|publisher=Department of State|volume=XXXIV|issue=878|pages=667{{endash}}668}} (unofficial translation)</ref> Through these agreements with Spain in 1956 and 1958, Moroccan control over certain Spanish-ruled areas was restored, though attempts to claim other Spanish possessions through [[Ifni War|military action]] were less successful.

In the months that followed independence, Muhammad V proceeded to build a modern governmental structure under a [[constitutional monarchy]] in which the sultan would exercise an active political role. He acted cautiously, having no intention of permitting more radical elements in the nationalist movement to overthrow the established order. He was also intent on preventing the Istiqlal Party from consolidating its control and establishing a [[one-party state]]. In August 1957, Muhammad V assumed the title of king.