It had previously been under French rule as a protectorate, placed in this position under the auspice of the Scramble for Africa in 1912.[8] Forty-four years later, the newly independent Kingdom of Morocco began its rediscovered independence as a constitutional monarchy, headed by Sultan Mohammed V.[9] In 1957, Mohammed V became King of Morocco, reorganizing the state to promote reform and growth, particularly in the legislature with the inclusion of representation for the indigenous population.[9] However, King Mohammed V soon feared opposition movements and reacted by violently quelling any dissenting groups or individuals.