"Negotiations of Aix-les-Bains and the Independence of Morocco, 1955–1956"

The topic of the independence of the Kingdom of Morocco is one of the pivotal issues in the modern political history of the Maghreb region, as it represents a strategic turning point in international relations and a clear reflection of the shifting balance of power after World War II.Among the most significant milestones that paved the way for this independence were the Moroccan national resistance movement and the Aix-les-Bains negotiations of 1955 between the French authorities and representatives of the national movement. These negotiations led to the end of the French protectorate over Morocco and the return of Sultan Mohammed Ben Youssef to the throne.Through the hypothesis of this study, the researcher seeks to analyze the causes and consequences that led to these negotiations, examine their course, and highlight their direct outcome — Morocco’s independence in 1956.The research is based on the central question: What role did the Aix-les-Bains negotiations play in paving the way for Morocco’s independence while preserving French interests and enabling France to focus on its occupation of Algeria?The researcher adopted the historical and analytical method to trace the stages of Morocco’s independence — starting from the national resistance movement, through the Aix-les-Bains negotiations, and culminating in the independence of 1956.In light of the research methodology, the study is divided into three main sections, in addition to the introduction, conclusion, findings, and recommendations.