The Conquest of Morocco: A History

What a pointless CF this was. The 'reasons' for taking over Morocco are so bizarre, having mostly to do with internal French politics. There was no financial or sane reason. The descriptions of the various local groups may still be apt today, at least in their reactions to infidel outsiders.My favorite line was about the Moroccans removing their clothes, greasing their bodies, and sneaking up on the sleeping French led camp. The Moroccans were amongst the tents and slashing away before the French woke up. When they did wake up, they had no time to get dressed. They just grabbed their swords and rifles to defend themselves. Many of the French led troops looked like the Moroccans and were often relatives. Without uniforms it was hard to tell friend from foe. The line in the book was "It was like a riot in a nudist colony."

Kinda dry, but good info if you want historical background about Morocco.

This is essentially a case study of European imperialism at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century. The author is an expert on the French Army who has drawn into this topic by his interest in the colonial French Army. This is not, however, a campaign or traditional military history. Porch's emphasis is really on the politics of conquest and he does a good job of presenting multiple points of view, including analyses of French metropolitan politics and Moroccan politics. Porch takes pains to rebut the traditional schematic view of imperial conquest as systematically planned and driven by economic motives. In the case of Morocco, at least, colonization was not widely popular in France, though there was a substantial colonial lobby. Complicating the colonial enterprise was the fact that among Frenchmen supporting imperialism in Morocco, there was considerable disagreement about methods. Just as important were the personal ambitions and motives of French officials and soldiers on the ground in Morocco and Algeria. Motivations for imperialism in Morocco appear to be less economic than considerations of national prestige, the murky calculations of inter-European diplomacy, and the personalities of major actors like Gen. Lyautey, who became proconsul in Morocco.Porch presents Morocco as a feudal/tribal society stressed by contact with modernizing Europe. Morocco's disorder was exacerbated by the predatory economic and political policies of the European powers. The French, in particular, fomented unrest in an effort to justify conquest. French tactics also inadvertantly tended often to provoke resistance. Porch shows that the goal of a "civilizing" mission, held sincerely by some Frenchmen, including Lyautey, was either window dressing or a self-delusion. Ultimately, the conquest depended on sponsorship of dubious proxies and the naked use of force.

Having just returned from an extensive trip through Morocco I read this excellent military/cultural history on location, so to speak. As with all histories which must deal with a plethora of dates, facts & factoids, personalities & their respective titles and particularly place names, the information comes fast, furiously & exotically bewildering, such is the contextual reality. Douglas Porch, whom I had never read previously, was a revelation, a perceptive writer, an insightful historian and a pellucid analyst of the very tortuously confusing history of Morocco. Having now "discovered" Porch I look forward to reading the rest of his works.

Porch writes with historiographic cogency, wonderful style, and unpretentious, congenial flair. "Conquest of Morocco" is a fascinating and very enlightening book, handsomely designed and produced in hard covers. A great deal of information is presented, yet the book is so well written as not to be a slog: reading it was a joy!

The book was in good condition and was shipped relatively quickly after I purchased it. I haven't read it yet but according to a friend of mine it is an excellent book.

Information

Very informative and interesting.

A great yarn, expertly told. However, I wish I had got the hardback - being old, I would have appreciated the larger print - but this did not detract from the quality of the story - however idiotic and pointless it might have been.If you are curious about France and Africa - you must read this.