1955–56
Morocco successfully negotiates its independence from France, Spain cedes control over
most of its colonial claims within Morocco, and exiled nationalist Mohammed V returns as
king of independent Morocco.
1961
When Mohammed V dies suddenly, Hassan II becomes king. He transforms Morocco into a
constitutional monarchy in 1962, but the ‘Years of Lead’ deals heavy punishments for dissent.
1975
The UN concludes that the Western Sahara is independent, but Hassan II concludes
otherwise, ordering the Green March to enforce Morocco’s claims to the region and its
phosphate reserves.
1981
After the Casablanca Uprising, the military rounds up dissenters and unionists nationwide. But
demands for political reforms increase, and many political prisoners are later exonerated.
1999
Soon after initiating a commission to investigate abuses of power under his own rule, Hassan
II dies. All hail Mohammed VI, and hopes for a constitutional monarchy.
2002–07
Historic reforms initiated under Mohammed VI include regular parliamentary and municipal
elections across Morocco, plus the Mudawanna legal code offering unprecedented protection
for women.
2004–05
Equity and Reconciliation Commission televises testimonies of the victims of Moroccan
human-rights abuses during the ‘Years of Lead’; it becomes the most watched in Moroccan
TV history.
2004
Morocco signs free trade agreements with the EU and the US and gains status as a non-
NATO ally.
2006
Morocco proposes ‘special autonomy’ for the Western Sahara, and holds the first direct talks
with Polisario in seven years – which end in a stalemate.
2010
The state cracks down on Moroccan publication Nichane for a cover article called ‘Jokes:
How Moroccans Laugh at Religion, Sex and Politics,’ arresting editors. Nichane ceases
publication.
2011
Pro-democracy revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt inspire Morocco’s February 20 Movement;