Arab Nationalism in the inter-war years Flashcards
What does historian Ted Swedenburg argue?
That some historians find that the peasantry could not have played a major role in the rebellions (1936-1939) in Palestine because they were ‘too isolated, ignorant and poor’.
Who were the ‘Wafd’ and which country did they operate in?
A group of Egyptian nationalists who wanted independence.
Who did the Wafd meet with in 1918 to discuss independence?
Wingate. They had the awareness of the 14-point speech of self-determination. Also knew of the peace conference.
Which two countries in the region circulated petitions for independence?
Egypt & Syria.
Why were Egypt’s requests for independence ignored? Why were Egypt made to feel different to other MENA countries?
Wingate argued that Egypt’s future was an internal matter that only Britain could solve. Angered that representatives from other British-controlled Arab provinces were allowed to attend the Paris Peace conference but Egypt weren’t. Egypt’s reps. were exiled to Malta.
Did women play an important role in the Egyptian revolts against the British?
Yes - women played a key role in the demonstrations. Huda Sharawi led the women’s central committee.
What did Britain decide to do with Egypt in 1922?
To give it limited independence.
By which 4 points was Egypt’s independence limited by the British in 1922?
1) Communications within the British Empire (incl. Suez Canal)
2) Egyptian defense
3) Privileges granted for foreigners/minorities and Europeans in Egypt with Europeans being granted more rights than Egyptians within Egypt.
4) Sudan.
Argue that Egypt did not really become independent in 1922
Britain could still maintain a military presence.
It could cite meetings to maintain the four limiters to Egypt’s ‘independence’.
The crackdown in 1924
What was Egypt’s main goal for 30 years after 1922?
To negotiate a new agreement with Britain.
What were the 4 main points that Britain set up with the new parliamentary democracy for Egypt in 1923?
1) 2 (largely) elected chambers: deputies and the senate.
2) Written with goal of limiting the Wafd/popular power
3) Significant power to the king, who used it regularly to suppress nationalist parties and resented sharing power with the people.
4) Women were given no rights despite their involvement in demonstrations.
1 Government made it through its full 4-year term in power in Egypt. True or False?
False, No government made it through its full 4-year term. Wafd won the majority of the free elections, but their attempts to govern were prevented by the King and his allies (and at times, the British).
Explain the ‘3-legged stool’
British, the King, and the Wafd.
What were the four main groups in Egyptian politics after 1922? (to 1930)
The Palace, the British, the Wafd, and the minority parties. (More alternative groups emerged in the 1930’s.)
What was a crucial factor in all of the political groups in Egypt between 1922 and 1930?
None of them were interested in full democracy. They wanted a share of the governance. Not interested in perusing the interests of the masses. Socially and economically, their politics benefited the social elite, apart from the fact they wanted independence.
Which key event took place in the period between 1930-1935 in Egypt?
The Constitution was suspended.
Which key event took place in 1936?
A new treaty is negotiated by the Wafd. Embassies for Egypt etc.
What key event took place in 1939?
Martial Law was enacted, unrest ceases.
What key event took place in 1942?
Due to the King’s refusal to abdicate, Lampson sends German tanks to the palace to force the king to accept a Wafd government or abdicate.
What key event took place in 1946?
A new treaty negotiated by Sidiq was rejected.
What key event took place in 1951?
Failed treaty negotiations. Nahas stands down which increases violence, unrest, and political instability until the 1952 Free Officers Coup. They ended up forcing a military elite.
