Egypt under British occupation

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

Egypt was nominally an Ottoman province – the government structure was retained. But Britain ultimately had control over policy, budget and determining funding priorities. Many British officials dominated Egyptians life.

Significantly shaped Egyptian economic development but became the focus of antiimperialist nationalist movement.

Question 2

The appointment of Lord Cromer

Answer 2

Appointment of Lord Cromer
- Lord Cromer appointed as unofficial ruler – had previous experience in India.
- British advisors inserted into the military and bureaucracy
- Favoured minorities in employment (Syrians).
- Veiled Protectorate (invitation by the Ottoman Empire to put Urabi down.)
- British officers ruled and in turn many British teachers, engineers and people worked and lived in Egypt many of whom had higher wages (paid by Egyptian gov rather than the British)
o Contributed to growing tensions with the Egyptian educated class who believed they possessed the right qualifications to govern their own country

Question 3

Impact of Lord Cromer

Answer 3

o Britain occupied Egypt in order to safeguard the Suez, to restore Egypt’s political and financial stability and in the context of imperial competition to stop France from occupying it first.

o Cromer – pay off debts and maintain the support of the Khedive. Increase in agricultural production – Aswan dam. Increased cotton production. Rise in general standard of living in the countryside. Forced labour abolished.

o But need of Egyptian fellahin were neglected. Large landowners saw their profits and investments rise.

o Regressive policies in education. Introduction of tuition fees. The promotion of western education could leader to nationalism.

Question 4

The Dinshaway Incident

Answer 4

• 1907-1911 - severe economic recession low prices of cotton
• Dinshaway incident June 1906 - anti-British sentiment
  o British pigeon shooters wounded a wife of the village prayer leader and set fire to the floor.
  o British officer also died
  o British authorities punished the inhabitants, many convicted of murder, or flogged/hung
  o Dinshaway incident was a show of force by the Egyptians
  o Lord Cromer resigned 1907

Question 5

the period 1907-1914

Answer 5

• Successors Eldon Gorst (1907-1911) and Kitchener (1911-1914) addressed some political and social problems in the aftermath of Dinshaway.
• There was still great anti-British sentiment and scholars and the media a
o Constitutional Reform Party - advocated for Egyptian independence with an Islamic framework

Question 6

Post War Egypt

Answer 6

During War - Egypt used in the effort and impoverished communities.
Post War – simmering discontent among Egyptians over British rule.

Formation of the Wafd movement and revolution of 1919
o Expressed their goal for complete Egyptian independence from Britain
o Gained support
- Nov 1918 – asked for permission to present Egyptian demands in London
- March 1919 – Sa’d Zaghulul is arrested and deported
o Starts a protest of agitation
- This ignites demos and protests around country against the continued British occupation.
- Women and student were involved – the Revolution of 1919.
- Situation diffused with new high commissioner, General Allenby- allows Zaghul to appear at Paris Peace conference.

Question 7

1922 consitution

Answer 7

1922 – Unilateral British declaration to no longer be a protectorate.

• Egypt granted a new constitution.
• Fu’ad becomes king 1922-1936
• BUT – Britain still maintained some power in Egypt
  1. Defense and foreign policy
  2. Security of Suez Canal
  3. Sudan
  4. Protection of foreigners, minorities

Britain supported the constitutional government elections were held in 1924.
Wafd party wins 90% of vote.

Question 8

problems of 1922 constitution

Answer 8

The problems with new constitution:

• Nature of the constitution awarded extensive powers to the King including the right to appoint PM and dissolve parliament.
• The British continued to interfere in Egyptian policies – undermining the integrity of the parliamentary system.
• The Wafd nor other parties respected opposition which was necessary for proper conduct of rule.
• Zaghul was authoritarian as the king.
• Power struggles existed between the Wafd party, Britain and the monarchy.

Question 9

The disintegration of society + involvement of new organisations

Answer 9

King Fouad preserved his powers to cater for the British

• “attack upon tradition”. – Unhappy over European values
• after the death of Zaghul – no strong political leadership.
• society underwent a severe dislocation as liberal elites thought western civilization was superior.

Feminist movement emerged with first female removing veil on station. – some educational demand was met in 1925.
Rise of Islamic activism – the Muslim Brotherhood, 1928. Mixture of traditional and innovative. Social and economic invigoration is tied to the restoration of Islam. – land redistribution, welfare programs, free medical clinics.
- following from the poor and university students. Showed that Egyptain society wanted to remain firm to its Islamic routes.