Egypt's Struggle for Independence: A Historical Overview

1. Chapter 15:“Egypt’s Struggle for Independence”Popular Egyptian Proverb: “In the land of Egypt what is good belongs to others”

2. Britain’s Role in Egypt • “No Egyptian ruled Egypt from the time of the pharaohs to the fall of King Faruq in 1952” • 1841 – 1914: an autonomous province of Ottoman Empire • 1882 – 1956: a British colony in all but name; in 1914 becomes an official British “Protectorate” • From 1914 to 1956, Egypt slowly eased itself from British control • The British used Egypt as a stepping stone to India; transport route to oil fields in Iran and Arabia; a good base of operations during World War 1 and 2

3. Egypt and WWI • British use Egypt as a base and sequester resources for war effort, much to the anger of Egyptians • At Paris Peace Conference (Versailles), an Egyptian nationalist delegation (the “Wafd”), led by Sa’d Zaghlul tried to gain recognition. They did not even get to appear before the Conference. The U.S. recognized Egypt as a British Protectorate

4. Four Reserved Points • In 1922, Britain ended its protectorate status over Egypt, but with four conditions reserved to the British: • Protections of British imperial communications in Egypt 2. Ability to aid Egypt in defense against foreign invaders 3. Protection of their economic interests in the country 4. Continued administration of the Sudan

6. Egypt: 1920s – 1930sContinued Resistance to British Rule • Poverty, illiteracy and disease leads many Egyptians to become attracted to fringe organizations that offered change including: • Communist groups • Young Egypt – a facist group with ties to Italy • Muslim Brothers – believers in return to strict Sharia Law • In 1930s, Italy moved in and occupied Libya and Ethiopia, and threatened Egypt

7. Britain realized they needed a positive alliance with Egyptian people in order to fend off potential Italian threat. • In 1936, the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty is agreed to: • Britain drops the Four Reserved Points 2. Egypt allowed more autonomy under Constitutional Monarchy led by King Faruq 3. Britain maintains right to keep military bases in Egypt

8. Egypt & World War II • When Germany began overrunning Europe, many Egyptians believed Britain would fall and they would be free • When General Rommel’s Afrika Corps swept into Egypt’s western deserts in 1942, Egyptians filled Cairo’s streets hoping for a Germany victory • However, Rommel is forced to retreat with pressure on his western front from U.S. forces and the eastern front by British forces • Egypt is held onto by the British and serves as an important staging and supply center for the Allies for the duration of the war General Rommel in Africa

9. Egyptian Revolution • British influence remains in post – war period • In 1945, Egypt joins the Arab League of Nations. Focus of Arab League is to resist the creation of a Jewish state in Palestine • Of course, a Jewish state is created. Egypt, still under Faruq, attacks Palestine and is crushed • Unpopularity towards Faruq erupts in 1952, and a military coup takes power. Colonel Abdel Nasser emerges as new, popular leader of Egypt. (Note that it takes a military/political leader to meet nationalist aspirations in Middle East) • Nasser is able to negotiate British soldiers out of Suez Canal zone

10. Nasser agrees to allow Sudanese people to choose between independence or Egyptian rule. The Sudanese choose independence….Egyptians unhappy with Nasser for allowing them the choice • Other events in 1956 to be covered more later: • July, 1956: Nasser nationalizes Suez Canal 2. October, 1956: British and French paratroopers land in canal zone and take it back 3. 1956: Israeli forces occupy the Sinai Peninsula Gamal Abdel Nasser (Prez: 1956 – 1970)