Battle of the Chaouia

Following the capture of Casablanca, Chaouia tribes, reinforced by the Beni Meskine, launched a counteroffensive against French positions. For nearly three weeks, Drude's column waged mobile warfare and outpost warfare, repulsing several major attacks and seizing strategic points on the plain. Combat culminated in defeat of Moroccan horsemen and pacification of the region.

The conquest of Morocco truly began with the Chaouia expedition, aimed at securing the hinterland of Casablanca. Local tribes tried to halt the French advance with mass attacks, but firepower and the mobility of colonial columns made the difference. The campaign, launched in August 1907, lasted eleven months including seven of active operations, with at least twenty-nine battles; Chaouia tribes had already shifted to bled siba against the Makhzen before the French arrival.

Column warfare, massive use of artillery and infantry squares to resist cavalry charges. Pincer advances, capture and fortification of strategic villages. Chaoui fighters practiced the equestrian technique known as 'Zenatia': rapid charges with fire while pivoting in the saddle to harass French infantry before withdrawing.

Victory in the Chaouia definitively secured Casablanca and gave France military control of the plain. It hastened the establishment of the French protectorate over western Morocco in the following years. General Drude, who arrived on 7 August 1907 after the bombardment of Casablanca, was replaced by General d'Amade on 5 January 1908; Chaoui resistance nevertheless fueled a broader uprising across Moroccan territory.