In November 1933, Moroccans celebrated the first Throne Day, honoring sultan Mohammed ben Youssef. The holiday was introduced by nationalists and inspired by an Algerian poet, aimed at countering the symbols and rituals imposed by the French.
When the French realized that nationalists were close to Sultan Mohammed ben Youssef, they dethroned him and replaced him with his cousin Mohammed Ben Arafa. The latter remained sultan for two years before being banned from living in Morocco.