Blue walls of Chefchaouen, Morocco Jan 11, 2026

On 11 January, 1944, Morocco took a bold step toward freedom. 66 leaders signed the Proclamation of Independence, demanding an end to French and Spanish colonial rule and affirming the country"s right to sovereignty. This manifesto, backed by Sultan Mohammed V, was presented not only to colonial authorities but also to representatives of the US, UK and the former Soviet Union—a signal that Morocco"s struggle was part of a global call for self-determination. Though repression followed, the movement endured and by 1956 Morocco achieved full independence, marking a turning point in North African history.

© AnetteAndersen/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Stairway to where?
Jan 11, 2024Eurasian lynx
Jan 11, 2025Heri es-Swani in Meknes, Morocco

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Jun 24, 2025Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah, United States
Dec 20, 2025Christmas star lanterns, Germany
Sep 29, 2023Sangameswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh
Staying in the loop
Sep 10, 2025Hay bales in North Yorkshire, England
Strong sibling bonds
Sep 26, 2025Least chipmunk, Kootenai National Forest, Montana, United States
Apr 20, 2024Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
Feb 5, 2024Monarch butterflies
Jan 30, 2025Rolands Breach, Spain
Dec 27, 2025Plate ice along Lake Superior, Minnesota, United States
Feb 10, 2026Es Vedrà and Es Vedranell, Ibiza, Spain
Switzerland of India
Giants of the Southern Ocean
Feb 16, 2024Female pyrrhuloxia in Texas, USA
Jan 3, 2026J.R.R. Tolkien Day
Jan 26, 2025Republic Day
Spring is the time for billing
Jul 24, 2024Flock of Swaledale sheep in North Yorkshire, England
A very public display of affection
Jun 20, 2025Seljalandsfoss waterfall at sunset, Iceland
Jan 7, 2024Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve, Australia
Singing the blues
An anglers paradise
What are these unique creatures?
Aug 11, 2025Village of Santa Maddalena, Dolomites, Italy
Oct 24, 2025Night view of the RMS Queen Mary, Long Beach, California, United States
Sep 1, 2024River Thames, London, England
Mar 19, 2025A black heron canopy hunting in Botswana
The Royal touch