Economic history of Morocco

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History of Morocco

Prehistory Acheulean Mousterian Aterian Iberomaurusian Capsian
Classical to Late Antiquity (8th century BC – 7th century AD) Carthaginian Roman Mauretania Mauretania Tingitana Exarchate of Africa
Early Islamic (8th–10th century AD) Muslim conquest Umayyad Caliphate Berber Revolt Emirate of Nekor Emirate of Sijilmasa Barghwata confederacy Idrisid dynasty
Territorial fragmentation (10th–11th century AD) Caliphate of Córdoba Fatimid Caliphate Ifranids Miknasas Maghrawas Arab migrations to the Maghreb
Empire (beginning 11th century AD) Almoravids Almohads Marinids Wattasids Saadis Alawis other political entities Zawiya Dila'iya Principality of Debdou Republic of Salé
Decline (beginning 19th century AD) Franco-Moroccan War Anglo-Moroccan Treaty of 1856 Hispano-Moroccan War Protégé system Treaty of Wad Ras Treaty of Madrid Tangier Crisis Treaty of Algeciras Agadir Crisis Hafidiya Bombardment of Casablanca (1907) French conquest of Morocco
Protectorate (1912–1956) Treaty of Fez French protectorate Spanish protectorate French Conquest Zaian War Rif War Tangier International Zone Emigration of Moroccan Jews Opposition to European control Revolution of the King and the People
Modern (1956–present) Ifni War Sand War Moroccanization Coup d'état attempt in 1971 / in 1972 Moulay Bouazza plot Years of lead Madrid Accords Green March Western Sahara War 2011–2012 protests Hirak Rif Movement Abraham Accords Western Saharan clashes (2020–present)
Related topics Morocco in the 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s History by topic Jewish Economic Military Postal Imperial cities
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The Economic History of Morocco reflects the country’s strategic role in Mediterranean trade and its interactions with European powers, particularly from the eighteenth century onward. Moroccan corsair activity led to numerous treaties with European states that secured maritime commerce, provided privileges to foreign consuls and merchants, and granted varying degrees of concessions, with France and England obtaining the most favorable terms. At the same time, Morocco experienced recurrent social crises, as droughts, locust invasions, and political unrest triggered devastating famines and epidemics that weakened social stability, partly alleviated through grain imports from Europe. Despite these challenges, Morocco’s proximity to Europe, its active port cities such as Essaouira and Tangier, and the commercial networks of its Jewish minority helped strengthen external trade, making the country a distinctive economic hub in the Maghreb.