sultan of Morocco (1873–94), whose policy of internal reforms brought his country a degree of stability previously unknown and who succeeded in preserving the independence of that North African nation.

Hassan's succession on Sept. 12, 1873, was peaceful, but throughout his reign he was faced with the problem of maintaining public security so that the European powers would have no excuse to annex Morocco. Although he was a conservative ruler, Hassan realized the need for modernization. He created a permanent standing army and employed European mercenaries as instructors. Moroccan students were sent to Europe to acquire technical skills. Most of his reign was spent in campaigns aimed at the pacification of rebellious tribes.