The Collective Memory of the Green March: An Analytical Study on the Psychological and Social Impacts of the Event Across Generations

Introduction:

The Green March is one of the most significant historical events that left a deep imprint on the Moroccan collective conscience. It represented an exceptional moment of national unity and collective solidarity. On November 6, 1975, the world witnessed an unprecedented peaceful march, in which over 350,000 Moroccans marched toward the Sahara, carrying flags and Qur’ans, in a peaceful step aimed at reclaiming Moroccan territories from Spanish colonization. The Green March transcended mere political or diplomatic events to become a symbol in the collective memory of Moroccans, forming a source of psychological and social impacts that continue to be passed from generation to generation.

In this study, we will review the role of this historical event in shaping national consciousness and analyze how the Green March contributed to building a collective memory that remains strong, alongside exploring its psychological and social impacts on subsequent generations through examining several key aspects related to national identity, belonging, and solidarity.

1. Collective Memory as a Foundation of National Identity:

Collective memory is the cornerstone of national identity, representing the shared mental image that individuals hold of their nation’s events. When we talk about the Green March, we find ourselves facing a living model of collective memory that embodies powerful symbols of Moroccan identity. The Green March contributed to cementing the values of sacrifice and unity in the collective consciousness, providing a solid foundation that reflects the Moroccan people’s will to reclaim their land peacefully, with a firm belief in their ability to defend their rights.

Social psychologists indicate that collective memory is not merely a historical recollection but an effective tool for enhancing a sense of belonging. Through this march, Moroccans learned to value unity and solidarity, adding a moral dimension to their national memory and giving later generations a deeper meaning of their Moroccan identity.

2. The Psychological Impacts of the Event on Participants and Later Generations:

The Green March was not just a fleeting event, but a deeply impactful psychological experience for those who witnessed and participated in it. It carried strong feelings of pride, honor, and unity, which directly impacted the participants and left a profound effect on them. These psychological impacts continued over time and were passed down through generations, becoming a part of their psychological makeup that interacts with similar national events.

First: Strengthening the Sense of Security and Belonging:
The Green March stands as a model of collective national security, as it demonstrated the power of unity and solidarity in the face of external challenges. This profound sense of security is passed down as a psychological heritage through generations, with new generations naturally feeling the stability derived from a shared history, which forms a cornerstone of their psychological makeup.

Second: Strengthening Collective Self-Confidence
The Green March significantly contributed to enhancing collective self-confidence. Moroccans realized that their unity and popular strength could be an effective tool for achieving justice and national demands. This confidence is passed through generations, making Moroccans today feel that they have the ability to achieve national goals through peaceful means, drawing inspiration from the Green March as a strong example reflected in their national stances and daily lives.

3. Social Dimensions of the Green March and Its Role in Cementing National Cohesion:

The Green March was not an ordinary event; it was an occasion that united all segments of Moroccan society—men and women, the elderly and the youth, from various regions—expressing an extraordinary national unity. This march created strong social bonds among the participants and contributed to reinforcing the collective sense of belonging to one community.

First: Social Cohesion Beyond Geographical Boundaries:
One of the greatest results of the Green March was the strengthening of social cohesion among Moroccans, regardless of geographical locations. This unity, demonstrated during the event, became a standard for societal cohesion and was passed on to future generations as a fundamental reference symbolizing social solidarity. This cohesion manifests in national celebrations and events, reflecting the collective spirit of Moroccans.

Second: The Sense of National Belonging:
The Green March contributed to fostering a deep sense of national belonging, as it reflected the unity and solidarity of Moroccans. This social belonging became one of the central pillars around which modern Moroccan identity is shaped, making Moroccans feel they are part of a unified community with a shared legacy and inspiring national causes.

4. Transmitting the Collective Memory of the Green March to New Generations:

The key question lies in how to preserve the collective memory of the Green March and pass it on to generations who did not witness the event. Moroccans rely on several means to ensure the continuity of this collective memory and instill it in the hearts of young people who inherit these values through various techniques:

Oral Narratives and History: Oral storytelling, passed down from grandparents and parents, plays a vital role in transferring the spirit of the Green March to new generations. These stories and accounts of participation in the march provide a realistic and inspiring perspective that strengthens the connection to the event.

Education and School History: The Green March is incorporated into Moroccan curricula, contributing to embedding the event into students’ educational memory. This approach not only provides factual information but deepens the understanding of the values the march represents.

Arts and Literature: Literature and the arts play a crucial role in embodying the spirit of the Green March and transmitting it in an aesthetic manner that stays in the minds of generations. Novels, films, and national songs are effective tools for reviving the memory of the march, renewing its meanings, and cementing it into the Moroccan collective memory.

5. The Green March as a Psychological and Social Legacy:

The Green March represents a legacy that transcends its political nature, becoming part of the collective Moroccan identity. It embodies values of courage, resilience, and national solidarity, making it a psychological and social reference from which generations draw meanings of determination and national unity. The emotional and psychological legacy of the march has become the starting point for nurturing a new generation grounded in the values of solidarity and national unity, ensuring that Morocco remains strong with its collective memory and its renewed psychological heritage.

Conclusion:

The Green March is not just a historical memory; it is a living memory that flows in the hearts of Moroccans, deeply rooted in their collective memory and forming an essential part of their national identity. This collective memory continues across generations, growing stronger every year, as Moroccans find in it a symbol of security, solidarity, and determination.

The new generations, who did not directly experience the event, feel a strong bond with this heritage, which carries within it meanings of loyalty to the homeland, self-confidence, and faith in the people’s ability to create a better future. Thus, Moroccans remain committed to their unity and solidarity, believing that the strength of collective memory is the foundation of national cohesion and stability.