As a sphere of influence, Morocco played a central role in the shaping of foreign policies among the British, French, and German states. The declaration of quasi-independence of Morocco in 1881 complicated the situation for any country that intended to enter the area without engaging others in a multilateral talk. This state of things presented a hardship for France and Germany had interests in the area. A third party, Britain, who had interests in the Suez canal, was dragged into the issue through France’s alliance with her. The British support for France and the Algeciras convention of 1905 shaped the outcome for Germany who was disappointed and France whose interests were supported by Britain. However, terms were established to regulate the relations of the powers in Morocco, which France broke in the second crisis of 1911. British policy with Germany was greatly affected, and Russia was drawn into the affairs.
Events Leading To the Moroccan Crisis
Controversy over Morocco was natured by progressive misunderstandings and grievances that were harbored for a long time by the French government. Before the conception of the desire to take Morocco, French agreed with Russia. Part of the reason for the alliance was either “ to contain Germany ” or “ to ‘destroy’ Germany in its current form and replace it with ‘some small, weak states ” ( Clark, 2012, p. 102). Therefore, even before the crisis, Germany was an enemy to be targeted and only British took a friendly stand towards her. France was offended by Germany annexation of Alsace and Lorraine, and this created the tense political climate and a cascade of events that would eventually lead to a series of offense against British or German government and the quest for Morocco. At one moment, Germany made a prerequisite that France, Russia and herself would have to “ guarantee the status quo as it affected their European possessions ” which was stated about the new colonies of Alsace and Lorraine if they were to enter into an anti-British policy ( Clark, 2012, p. 105). Therefore, nursing the pain of her loss, France could only turn to other areas that had a significant interest in Germany.
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The Consequences of the Two Moroccan Crises (1905 and 1911)
The major effect the two Moroccan crisis of 1905 and 1911 was the realignment. The Glacier convention brought together the French, British, Russian, and German powers that were central to the debate. The former three powers allied against Germany and challenged her interests in Morocco. This was noted in the three powers entering into agreements based on how their interest would be solved. The French ultimately changed her position on the dangers of the British global interests to global peace. Not only did she no longer perceive her as a threat to coexistence but also withdrew her negative sentiments towards the British that had previously diluted the speech of her statement (Clark, 2012). In support to France and opposition to Germany, the British statement was that “ The Government of His Britannic Majesty…considers that the conduct of Germany in the Moroccan question is most unreasonable ” ( Clark, 2012, p. 121). Thus, Britain showed that she did not favor Germany. Consequently, Germany had to shift to a new sphere of influence.
The Second Moroccan crisis
The second Moroccan crisis occurred under the leadership of Jean Cruppi who in his four-months term decided to “ terminate all economic links with Germany in Morocco ” by repudiating the 1909 Franco-German accord under the influence of the Central wing who were now in control of policy making process ( Clark, 2012, p. 146). The breakage of the management of the railway line from Fez to Tangier railway by France, isolating Germany from sharing in it, and an entry into another economic agreement with Morocco without informing Germany was accomplished speedily ( Clark, 2012 ). Secondly, French broke the act of Algeciras by taking its troops to Morocco in the name of suppressing a revolt; French forged a later and had the sultan in Morocco sign it as a proof that he requested for her assistance. Far from reality, the conflict was in a deeper part of Morocco in an area that posed no harm to the European settlers.
What France and Germany, Respectively, Hoped to Gain From the Confrontations?
French
French’s position before the entry of the British government was that “ Britain represented a threat to world peace” and that it would “ensure British respect for any international settlement ” ( Clark, 2012, p. 104). This was to be achieved through collaboration with Germany. However, having noted the Germany’s indifference on the question of having military confrontation with British, French through her foreign policy minister Delcassé changed her position, which was opposed by his associates, and held the opinion that “ the consolidation of British control over Egypt would be exchanged for British acquiescence in French control over Morocco ” ( Clark, 2012, p. 105). Therefore, France agreed to acknowledge British activities in the Suez Canal to have herself granted control over Morocco and to lock out Germany from other deals. Therefore France went ahead to make a deal with the British government which was against Delcassé’s early policies in which he required that there be consultations with Germany before any agreement on the French interest. This move was against the international agreement, which prescribed a multilateral engagement in any case the independent Moroccan state should be altered ( Clark, 2012 ). Besides, the French understood that "Anglo-German joint initiative in Morocco" would be detrimental to her interests. Therefore, she came into association with Britain to prevent this possibility ( Clark, 2012, p. 105).
Germany
Germany had been watching the unfolding crisis develop. Her main objective was “ was not to uphold international law, but rather to test the strength of the Entente ” ( Clark, 2012, p. 119). Therefore, Germany was prepared for any confrontation being aware that Britain would not intervene on any opposition from a third party. Germany continued to pursue her interest in Morocco. On 31 March 1905, Kaiser Wilhelm II made a surprise visit to Morocco where he undermined the French authority posted there and left after less than two-hour visit. This event led to the dismissal of Delcassé and replacement with Maurice Rouvier whose efforts to mend relations with Germany failed. A meeting was convened at Algeciras where Morocco's quasi-independence was reaffirmed. Germany failed to gain support for his ambitions " regarding the internationalization of the Moroccan police and financial institutions " ( Clark, 2012, p. 119).
How These Events Influence the Course of British Policy toward Germany
The result of the Algeciras convention was a complete embarrassment to the side of Germany. Major powers including Russia isolated her. British adopted an isolation policy towards Germany. First, she did not involve herself in the struggle between French and Germany over Morocco and to make it difficult for Germany, the British maintained its agreement with France in the Entente. Therefore, the deal stood despite Germany’s desire to have it ended. This indicated that the British had chosen France over Germany. The influence of Russia in the Glacier convention was “bribed” to favor France. They traveled with " instructions to support ‘energetically’ every French proposal ” (Clark, 2012, p. 119. This happened after France had promised Russia loan in case they supported her bid.
Moreover, the British went ahead to enter into a peace treaty with Russia over controversial areas (Clark, 2012). The purpose of the deal with Russia was to prevent Russian aggression on British interests, and British committed herself to keep the terms of the treaty “ even for the sake of a reduced naval programme ” ( Clark, 2012, p. 120). Sir Charles Hardinge’s statement laid the matter to rest when he stated that they “have no pending questions with Germany except that of naval construction’ ( Clark, 2012, p. 120 ). The naval projects were the remaining links between Germany and British had now come to the point that it would suspend even the remaining ties with Germany and go ahead in supporting Russia in the access of the Turkish straights. The turn of events meant a victory to French who had desired the containment of Germany and furthering of her ambitions in Morocco. With the isolation, German’s interests shifted to the Balkans states where it could have an opportunity to further her policies and obtain sovereignty ( Clark, 2012 ).
In conclusion, the Moroccan crisis had a great impact on the direction of global relations. The German’s shift to Balkan would later have its consequences in the world war. Therefore, the process shaped the realignment, which would isolate Germany and strengthen the French, British, and Russian powers. An enmity was created that would take process and arms to be reconciled.
Reference
Clark, C. M. (2012). The Sleepwalkers: How Europe went to war in 1914 . London: HarperCollins.
