Topic 2: Moroccan Crises Flashcards
1905-6 and 1911
When was the first Moroccan crisis?
1905-6
Why did France want Morocco?
Since Alsace-Lorraine was lost, the French were trading in Morocco for minerals
What did Britain and France do with Morocco that upset Germany
They made an agreement that France would have a mandate over Morocco. At the time Germany was looking to expand, nobody asked German politicians if they were okay with this arrangement or not.
German reaction to the agreement
He wanted ‘equal economic rights in Morocco’ - Kaiser Wilhelm assured Sultan Aziz of their support and encouraged him to resist France - He wanted to show Britain and France that he wanted colonies in Africa too
What did the Kaiser do when he was in Morocco
He toured Tangier on a white horse - A very dramatic display of his support for the sultan
What issue did this cause for GB?
Germany could set up a naval base in one of Morocco’s ports, challenging the British naval base in Gibraltar
Algeciras Conference 1906
Held by 12 European countries - Only Austria-Hungary supported Germany. The final agreement between them was that France would have a controlling interest in Moroccan affrais but every nation was free to trade with Morocco.
Impact of Algeciras Conference
Temporarily solved the problem and worsened tensions between the European powers.
When was the second Moroccan crises?
March 1911
What happened in Morocco in March 1911
Rebel tribes once again rose up against the sultan and surrounded Fez
What did the Sultan do to resolve this issue?
He appealed to France and Spain for help. They sent a small group of soldiers in May 1911
What did the Germans think of this?
Germans thought that the French encouraged a revolt so that they could send troops to occupy Morocco. This went against their agreement.
What happened on July 1st, 1911
German gunboat (SMS Panther) was sent to the Moroccan port of Agadir.
French reaction
British tried to stop the French from sending troops but weren’t able to. The British were forced to cooperate with the French because a military base in the Mediterranean would be a direct threat to the British naval base.
What happened to the Germans when tensions were so high?
Tensions between France + Britain and Germans were reaching breaking point where suddenly, the Germans were hit by a financial crisis.
