The first general history in English of Morocco in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Morocco Since 1830: A History explores the profound changes that have affected social relations in Morocco over the last 150 years, especially those between the sexes, and between linguistic identities and cultures.<P>Although the country has returned to roughly its pre-colonial boundaries, Morocco still suffers from the effects of colonization by France and Spain. Its current king, like the sultans of the nineteenth century, claims legitimacy through his leadership of the Islamic community, but there is a long tradition of dissent based on Islamic ideals. Morocco's history is also marked by the enduring presence of a large Jewish community.<P>This comprehensive political and cultural portrait examines the tactics used by Moroccan rulers to cope with European penetration in the nineteenth century and colonialism in the twentieth, and, since the 1950s, to retain control of the independent state. As Pennell points out, however, the ruling dynasty is not sufficiently representative of modern Morocco, nor are political events the only influence on change. Many Moroccans live in poverty, and Pennell shows how their experiences are shaped by the quality of harvests, access to land and water, and external trade.

As the first English language general history of modern Morocco, this book examines the tactics used by Moroccan rulers to deal with European domination, colonialism, and, since the 1950s, independence. The battle between the royal family and its opponents is discussed, and the text explores the ways by which both sides use the religion of Islam to justify their opposing positions. The book also follows the changing social landscape in the country as relationships between the sexes, linguistic groups and classes have morphed in the last two centuries. Pennell teaches Middle Eastern history at the U. of Melbourne.
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C. R. Pennell is Senior Lecturer in History at the University of Melbourne.