Historical context

• • Casablanca, Morocco, was a French colony that acted as a holding place for refugees escaping Nazi rule in World War II while waiting for their exit visas to Portugal.
• • The refugees there were of different cultures and areas of the world.
• • The film takes place in the 4 days leading up to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour on 7 December 1941. The event led directly to the USA's involvement in WWII.
  • Bogart's character Rick represents US foreign policy, from isolationist to intervention.