Middle East 541
Narrative: The first Spanish-Moroccan War was fought in late 1859 through early
- Spain was not a major power in the African scramble to the degree of France
and Great Britain, which limited them to the acquisition of territories off the Andalu-
cian coast. Morocco became a target. Spain capitalized on the transition from Abd el
Rahman to his son Sidi Mohammed XVIII and attempted to coerce more concessions
from Morocco regarding Spanish-held exclaves Ceuta and Melilla, on the Moroccan
coast. Morocco refused, and Spain attacked on October 25, 1859. The Spanish held
the clear advantage and blocked Morocco from getting any foreign assistance.
Morocco ultimately conceded after Tetouan was occupied, and this new status quo
held until the British intervened on May 2, 1862, to affect the Spanish withdrawal
from Tetouan.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from October 16, 1859. End Date changed from
March 25, 1860.
MID#1581
Dispute Number: 1581
Date(s): October 2, 1893 to March 30, 1894
Participants: 230 Spain/600 Morocco
Outcome (and Settlement): Yield by side B (Negotiated)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: In various stages of Spanish history, Spanish forces have settled in strate-
gic places in North Africa to safeguard against the Moors. Moors from the Rif, an area
just outside Melilla (one of Spain’s autonomous cities in North Africa), responded to
Spanish development of the area through various raids and acts of piracy. In Octo-
ber 1893, a conflict between the two—the First Rif War—emerged after a siege of
Melilla. The Spanish reacted with great alarm to the events in Melilla and quickly
mobilized. An expedition of 25,000 Spanish troops ultimately broke the siege but
accomplished little else. The Sultan, unwilling to fight any further, promised indem-
nity. Spain, uninterested in an African Empire and unwilling to compromise British-
held Gibraltar, was willing to compromise as well. The Treaty of Fez, 1894, followed.
This treaty gave some minor territorial concessions to Spain.
Coding changes: End Date changed from January 31, 1894.
MID#86
Started in March 1907. See the narrative in the 220 France/600 Morocco dyad dispute
list.
MID#1086
Dispute Number: 1086
Date(s): May 9, 1909 to March 23, 1910
Participants: 230 Spain/600 Morocco
Outcome (and Settlement): Victory for side A (Imposed)
Fatalities: >999 deaths