France and the Repercussions of the Francoist Coup in Morocco

Abstract

Objectives: This article aims to indicate the stance of the French authorities occupying a part of Morocco (Sultanate of Morocco) towards the Spanish military coup against the Spanish Republican regime in 1936, which originated in Spanish-protected Northern Morocco.

Methods: This study relies on the historical Approach, utilizing various historical sources, particularly those revealed by documents from European archives (French, English, Dutch, and Spanish archives).

Results: The military coup against the Republican regime in Spain in 1936 raised concerns among French authorities, who saw it as a threat to their presence in Morocco, especially after the military's alliance with Nazism and Fascism, which renewed their ambitions in the region. This led the French authorities to ally with the Spanish Republican regime to thwart the Francoist coup and organize a counter-revolution from Morocco. In fact, the actions of the French authorities and Spanish Republicans against Franco reached the point of considering granting autonomy to the Spanish protectorate in Northern Morocco under military control, prompting members of the nationalist movement to participate in this movement.

Conclusions: The French administration allied with the Republican regime against the Spanish/Francoist military coup in 1936, fearing for its interests in Morocco. However, once it realized that the coup posed no threat to its presence in Morocco, it abandoned its efforts against the rebels.