Morocco gained its independence from French and Spanish colonial rule on March 2, 1956. The struggle for independence was marked by a series of nationalist movements and protests, led by figures such as Sultan Mohammed V. His leadership played a crucial role in uniting the Moroccan people against colonial powers. Following independence, Morocco established a constitutional monarchy, with Sultan Mohammed V becoming the first king of the newly sovereign nation. The country then focused on modernization and development, while also addressing social and economic challenges that arose from years of colonial rule.