Morocco rejects Spain's ultimatum setting the stage for a six month long war in northern Morocco

The Spanish Government had for several months complained about Moroccan based piracy and perceived insults against Europeans in the Spanish enclave of Cueta on the Moroccan coast.  The ultimatum delivered on October 15, 1859 was two days later answered in the negative. The Spanish had been preparing an expedition against Morocco for some time and were probably already decided upon the six month war that began officially on October 22, 1859. (By John Osborne)