[1][2] Abd al-Hafid started his movement in Marrakesh in the aftermath of the Algeciras Conference, the French occupation of Oujda and of Casablanca and the gaining the support of Amazigh leaders in the south.

In January 1908, the Ulama of Fes led by Muhammad al-Kattani declared Abdelaziz deposed and they imposed a conditioned bay'ah on Abd al-Hafid.

[5][1] The conditions for support included him to resume jihad, liberate Oujda and Casablanca, end the protégé system, restrict Europeans to port cities and consult the ummah in all major decisions.

[1][7] The Battle of Marrakech took place on August 19, 1908 when supporters of Abd al-Hafid destroyed the mahalla  [ar] of Abdelaziz on the road from Rabat to Marrakesh.

[19] The British press, or more specifically the London Times considered Abd al-Hafid's efforts to be a lost cause due to a number of military failures in May of 1908.