 His reign was marked by political unrest and a heavy-handed government response to criticism and opposition.While some perceive the Years of Lead to have begun with Moroccan independence in 1956 under Mohammed V, political repression increased dramatically upon Hassan's ascent to throne of the country in 1961 and this repressive political climate would last for nearly three decades and would only decrease by the early 1990s amid international pressure and condemnation from other nations, including the United States; among others.Due to strong international pressure and condemnation over its human rights record, particularly from Western nations, Morocco experienced a slow but notable improvement in its political climate and human rights situation.