On 14 August 1844, French and Moroccan armies collided at the Battle of Isly, marking the beginning of Morocco's incorporation within the rising orbit of European imperialism. A hundred years later, French and Moroccan soldiers fought side by side for the liberation of France. When resisting foreign domination, Moroccans demonstrated the same endurance they had shown when serving the cause of the colonial power which had gained control over them. The 27-year-long French conquest of Morocco was one of the longest and toughest challenges in the annals of European colonialism. Once occupied, however, Morocco became the supplier of one of the finest contingents of colonial troops. Both sides of this intriguing equation form the substance of this book. It presents a comprehensive analysis of French colonial ideology and interest in Morocco and delineates the manner in which the agents of the protectorate regime sought to conquer the country and control its indigenous inhabitants.
Although focusing on a French military policy in Morocco, numerous comparative perspectives are offered placing the French policy towards Morocco in a wider context making this study relevant to not only North Africa, but also to other parts of the post-colonial world.

This analysis of French colonial ideology and interest in Morocco delineates the manner in which the agents of the protectorate regime sought to conquer the country and control its indigenous inhabitants. Numerous comparative perspectives are offered, placing the French policy towards Morocco in a wider context, making this study relevant to not only North Africa, but also to other parts of the post-colonial world.