# France grants independence to Morocco and Tunisia (1956)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1956-france-grants-independence-to-morocco-and-tunisia
Location: North Africa
Categories: main-event

Two major protectorates gained sovereignty as colonial rule receded. Within the broader Occupation, Liberation & Fourth Republic period, Defeat in 1940 divided France between Vichy, occupation and resistance. Liberation restored republican government, followed by reconstruction, welfare-state building, European integration and violent decolonization under the Fourth Republic. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is René Coty (President of the French Republic). France grants independence to Morocco and Tunisia mattered because it reshaped France’s external relationships, territory or place in wider international systems. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
France grants independence to Morocco and Tunisia mattered because it reshaped France’s external relationships, territory or place in wider international systems.

Ruler at the time: [René Coty](https://history-france.com/rulers/rene-coty)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — France grants independence to Morocco and Tunisia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=France+grants+independence+to+Morocco+and+Tunisia&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — France grants independence to Morocco and Tunisia](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=France+grants+independence+to+Morocco+and+Tunisia)
- [Vie-publique — French institutions and history](https://www.vie-publique.fr/)