Following the abolition of slavery in Mauritius during 1835, plantation owners faced a massive workforce shortage that led to the recruitment of contracted laborers. The majority of these workers originated from India, beginning with the arrival of the first group on November 2, 1834. Their processing hub at Trou Fanfaron was eventually recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site known as Aapravasi Ghat. Today, an official holiday commemorates this historic date to honor the enduring cultural legacy and societal contributions of the Indian population.

Following centuries of Ottoman influence, Algeria was invaded by France in 1830 and uniquely incorporated directly into the French state rather than treated as a standard colony. As European migration surged and native land was seized, deep-seated grievances among the local Muslim population continued to multiply. This mounting frustration culminated on November 1, 1954, when the National Liberation Front launched numerous synchronized strikes against military and security positions, igniting the Algerian War. Although French forces ultimately suppressed the uprising militarily, the extreme brutality of the crackdown alienated domestic and international observers alike. Consequently, this widespread loss of backing eroded French authority and directly cleared the path for Algerian independence in the summer of 1962.

In November 2025, King Mohammed VI established October 31st as an annual national holiday known as Unity Day or Aid Al Wahda. This royal decree followed a United Nations Security Council resolution that extended a peacekeeping mission and highlighted Morocco's Autonomy Proposal regarding the disputed Western Sahara region. The holiday is meant to celebrate the nation's territorial integrity and sovereign identity. Additionally, Unity Day will serve as a regular occasion for the King to issue royal pardons.