The Nile valley 1882-98 Flashcards
Who took control of Egypt in 1878?
Dual control was taken by France and Britain
Why was British interest in Egypt originally so strange?
Gladstone was pro-small government and anti-imperialist, yet he took control of Egypt anyhow
Why was the acquisition of Egypt important geo-politically?
France wanted to check Austro-Hungarian and Russian interest in the Mediterranean after the inevitable fall of the Ottoman Empire, and Suez Canal
How much foreign debt did the Khedives get themselves in between 1863-70?
Debt went from £3m to £100
When was Egypt bankrupt?
1875/6
Why did the khedives desire autonomy?
They lived far from the Ottoman centre in Constantinople, and had previous enjoyed autonomy due to this
What did the Dual Control force upon the khedive?
Ismail Pasha had to cut pay of army, introduce food taxes and reform the financial system?
When was Ismail Pasha deposed and by who?
In 1879 the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire removed him
Who took over Egypt after the Sultan was persuaded to step back?
Ismail Pasha’s son, Tewfik Pasha
Who formed what in 1879?
Colonel Ahmed Urabi, or Arabi Pasha formed the Egyptian Nationalist Party
Who supported Arabi Pasha?
Those in the army wanting a raise, the bourgeoisie disliking the economic meddling of the dual powers, and the fellahin (peasants)
What caused the coup of 1879?
Government plan’s to dismiss 2,500 army officers and halve the rest’s salaries
What was the result of the coup of 1879?
A nationalist ministry was created including Arabi Pasha
What did Arabi Pasha do immediately when in power which frightening the Dual Controls?
Borrowed £400,000 to reverse the need for army cuts
Why did Britain further itself in Egypt in 1882 to do with strategy?
80% of Suez Canal ships were British, which they had a 45% share in - also to make sure France did not become too powerful in the region
Why did Britain further itself in Egypt in 1882 to do with trade?
Britain took 80% of Egyptian exports and created 44% of it’s import market
Why did Britain further itself in Egypt in 1882 to do with finance?
There were many British bond-holders with Egyptian assets who would lose lots if the country defaulted (even Gladstone had 37% wealth in the area)
Why did Britain further itself in Egypt in 1882 to do with people?
On the 11th June 1882 there were anti-Christian riots, where 20% of population was European and 50 were killed
What did the Dual Controls send Egypt in 1882 in terms of diplomacy and what was the result?
The Gambetta Note led to the Arabi Pasha forcing a nationalist cabinet on the khedive
How did violence begin in Egypt in 1882?
British and French sending battleships to the coast, before British bombardment of Alexandria
Why did France back of out Egypt in terms of international politics?
Bismark and Germany had decided to repudiate the actions in Egypt, and France could not disagree with that
Why did France back of out Egypt in terms of home politics?
A new leader, Charles de Freycinet, took to power in France, and he was less inclined to Egyptian intervention
What is the end result of the Arabi Pasha after 1882?
He is exiled to Ceylon
What is the end result for he who holds power in Egypt after 1882?
Tewfik becomes nominal figurehead, British take real control, Baring comes in