Fundamental obstacles to modernization in precolonial Morocco: Geography, institutions and culture

Abstract

This thesis develops on previous work on Moroccan economic history as it attempts to analyze the fundamental causes of Morocco’s precolonial stagnation. For this purpose, I examine the various modernization programs attempted by Moroccan sultans in the second half of the 19th century. Two particular questions guide my research: 1) Has the failure to modernize resulted from the colonial pressures exercised by European powers to weaken the country? 2) Has the failure of modernization been the result of endogenous factors that pertain to Morocco’s geography, institutions and culture? The analysis identifies five central factors that stood in the way of modernization:

- demographic inferiority as a result of recurring famines and epidemics

- the predatory nature of the central government

- the complacency of the religious establishment and its reactionary attitude toward Western-inspired modernization

- the tribal structure of rural society

- the harsh war indemnities imposed by Spain and the system of consular protection which weakened public finances and exacerbated the tax burden on peasants leading to rural rebellions

The five factors serve as a guiding map in constructing Morocco’s precolonial economic stagnation. They help narrow and organize a broad spectrum of issues in the inquiry. Furthermore, I use the five factors to turn the analysis of failed modernization into a dynamic approach rather than an abstract a-historical discussion.