On this day in 1955, the Sultan* of Morocco was allowed to return from exile. 11 years before, the Istiqlal (الإستقلال, meaning independence) Party demanded freedom from French rule when the Allied victory did not result in Moroccan independence.

In 1952, riots broke out in Casablanca, and in response, France banned right-leaning parties and exiled the Sultan of Morocco, who was a revered religious leader. However, this increased tensions to the point that on November 18, 1955, France brought the Sultan back for negotiations that eventually led to France relinquishing their protectorate and giving Morocco back to the Moroccans. Accordingly, November 18 is celebrated as Independence Day in Morocco.

You can read on at the link to learn more about the negotiations that led to an independent Morocco at the link!

*Note: Mohammed V changed his title to King of Morocco in 1957. Since that time, the head of the monarchy in Morocco has been called King.