The Impact of the Green March on Modern Moroccan Society

This research aims to examine (a) the historical context of the Moroccan Green March and (b) the impact of this profound social, political, economic, military, and religious event on modern day Moroccan society and culture. On the 6th of November 1975, approximately 350,000 Moroccans, entirely unarmed, descended upon the small town of Tarfaya, some 900km away from the Moroccan capital, Rabat. They awaited a signal directly from HM King Hassan II, to enter what is known to be Western Sahara, or ‘Moroccan Sahara'. When that signal came, the masses, brandishing only bare necessities, holding aloft Moroccan flags and the holy Quran, entered Spanish-held Western Sahara. The Spanish troops were ordered not to fire upon the Moroccan civilians, who sought to ‘take back' what was considered to be territory integral to the history, culture and owners of the Moroccan people and the Kingdom of Morocco. Whilst those who took part did seek (and receive) permission from the Moroccan Monarch, the impetus for this action came from within society, not from the Monarch of government. The Green March has a substantial effect on Moroccan society to this day, and songs are sung about it (such as ‘Sawt El Hassan') and postage stamps are issued to commemorate the momentous event.