Spanish-Moroccan War 1859-1860

Spanish efforts to ensure its security by conquering Morocco across the Straits of Gibraltar had made little progress before the Spanish-Moroccan War (also called the Hispano-Moroccan War). Immediately after the death of Sultan Abd ar-Rahman of Morocco in 1859, a dispute with Spain over the boundaries of the Spanish enclave at Ceuta developed. In addition, attacks by Muslim Arabs on the Spanish possessions of Ceuta and Melilla in Morocco resulted in a declaration of war by Spain on October 22, 1859. The government used damage claims made by Spanish citizens as a pretext after the new sultan of Morocco failed to offer adequate compensation.

A 40,000-man Spanish army was mobilized for the campaign, led by Marshal Leopold O’Donnell (also the prime minister of Spain). The Spanish troops were landed at an unfavorable location and the army became bogged down on bad roads and struck with cholera. The Moors proved to be formidable adversaries. A significant Spanish military victory over the Moroccan forces was achieved on January 1, 1860 under General Juan Prim y Prats. One month later, the Spaniards stormed and captured Tetuan on February 4th. Great Britain pressed Spain to end the fighting, an armistice was agreed on March 25, 1860.

The Treaty of Wad-Ras (Peace of Tetuan) was agreed upon on April 26, 1860. The peace required Morocco to pay an indemnity of $20 million, accept the enlargement of the frontiers of the Ceuta enclave, and promise vague rights on the Atlantic coast of Morocco which eventually became the Ifni enclave. Marshal O'Donnell, commanding the victorious expeditionary force, greatly increased his popularity and received his dukedom afterward.

References

Clodfelter, 338-9; COW31; Kohn, 467-8; Dupuy and Dupuy, 918; EB - Morocco.

Category

Inter-State War

Region

North Africa

Belligerents

Spain, Morocco

Dispute

Territory, Capital

Initiation Date

October 22, 1859

Termination Date

March 25, 1860

Duration

155 days

Outcome

Negotiated Settlement
(Spanish victory)

Fatalities

Total: 10,000
Morocco: 6,000
Spain: 4,000

Magnitude

4.0