Before one wave had settled, another rose.
After entering the nineteenth century, the great powers launched a fierce scramble for the North African market, and the international situation grew increasingly unfavorable for the Moroccan Government.
During the 1840s and 1850s, vast quantities of cheap European goods flooded into Morocco, dealing a blow to the economy of the Kingdom of Morocco.
In an effort to reverse the situation, the Moroccan Government raised tariffs. In 1852, the Kingdom of Morocco increased its average import tariffs by 20%, attempting to protect its domestic market with high duties.
Clearly, this harmed the interests of the major European powers. In December 1856, the British forced the Moroccan Government to sign the Anglo-Moroccan Treaty.
Through the treaty, the British obtained extraterritorial rights and trading rights throughout Morocco, while tariffs were reduced to 10% of commodity prices.
Once Pandora's box had been opened, the situation spiraled out of control. The great powers swarmed in, demanding the same rights.
Believing it had British backing, the Moroccan Government unhesitatingly rejected the demands of the various nations, provoking intense dissatisfaction among them.
Colonial Minister Josip Jelačić proposed, "Your Majesty, the Moroccan Government has rejected the proposals of every nation. France and Spain could dispatch troops to Morocco at any time. Shouldn't we take action as well?"
The main reason Morocco drew so much attention from every nation was its extraordinary fertility. Not only did it possess abundant mineral resources, but 220,000 square kilometers of its land were rich soil suitable for agriculture. It was one of Africa's principal agricultural exporters, and its climate was also exceptionally favorable.
A man was innocent, yet guilty for possessing jade. Without venomous insects or savage beasts to protect it, the Kingdom of Morocco became a fat sheep in everyone's eyes.
Franz shook his head.