Battle of Marrakesh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Marrakesh |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
.svg){kind=small} Sultan's forces |
Abd al-Hafid's forces |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Abd al-Aziz |
Abd al-Hafid |
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The Battle of Marrakesh was a very important fight in a time called the Hafidiya. This was when Abd al-Hafid took control from his brother, Abd al-Aziz. The battle happened outside Marrakesh, Morocco, on August 19, 1908. Abd al-Aziz's army, which had left Rabat, was surprised and beaten as they got close to Marrakesh by soldiers loyal to Abd al-Hafid.
What Led to the Battle
In May 1907, powerful leaders in the south of Morocco, like Si Elmadani El Glaoui, asked Abd al-Hafid to become the new sultan. Abd al-Hafid was the older brother of the current sultan, Abd al-Aziz. He was also the local ruler in Marrakesh. In August of that year, Abd al-Hafid was officially made sultan in Marrakesh.
On August 5, 1907, France attacked and took over Casablanca. This happened after some Europeans died in a riot. The riot was caused by new rules from an agreement called the Treaty of Algeciras.
In September, Abd al-Aziz arrived in Rabat from the capital city, Fes. He tried to get help from European countries against his brother. He even accepted a special award from France, called the Legion of Honour. He also managed to get a loan (borrowed money).
Many people saw this as Abd al-Aziz relying too much on Christian European support. This made more people oppose his rule. In January 1908, important religious scholars in Fes declared that Abd al-Aziz was no longer the sultan. They then offered the throne to Abd al-Hafid.
The Battle Itself
After several months of not doing much, Abd al-Aziz decided to try and get his power back. He left Rabat in July and marched towards Marrakesh.
However, his army was completely defeated on August 19 as they got close to the city. This defeat happened largely because some people in his army betrayed him.
See also
In Spanish: Batalla de Marrakech para niños
