The Nile Valley - Topic 7.1 Flashcards
The reasons for intervention in Egypt - 1882
How did Egyptian nationalism develop under Arabi Pasha?
And how did this affect British interests in Egypt?
Colonel Arabi Pasha first led protests in 1876 as he was dissatisfied with the Dual Control’s financial measures among the Egyptian bourgeoisie as well as the lack of army pay. He spoke of ‘Egypt for Egyptians’ and formed the Egyptian Nationalist Party in 1879, commanding considerable support within the army and the peasentry.
He attempted a coup in 1879 and successfully forced Khedive Tewfik to appoint a nationalist ministry. The new cabinet reversed the halving of army pay, borrowed £400,000 from the Rothschilds and aimed to repudiate French and British loans and ignore the Dual Control. This led the British to be wary of any development in the region.
Why was Egypt strategically to Britain?
The canal also acted as an artery to British colonies in Asia, such as India and in the East Indies. 80% of shipping through the canal was British. The French were the largest stakeholders in the canal, and so balancing their rivalry was important. Britain was not prepared to let France become too powerful in North Africa and the Middle East.
Why was Egypt economically important to Britain?
Britain had invested millions of pounds into the region, and had a significant stake in the Suez Canal and all the trade that flowed through it. By 1880, Britain purchased 80% of Egypt’s exports and supplied 44% of its imports. The American Civil War led to Britain importing substantial amounts of cotton to make up for the loss of Confederate cotton being blockaded by the Union.
Why was Egypt financially important to Britain?
British bond-holders in London were heavily exposed to any failure by Egypt to pay its debts. Britain and France had already reacted to the bankruptcy of the khedive in 1875 and so established the Dual Control. The government were responsive to pay its debts to bond-holders however possible. As much of 37% of Gladstone’s own personal fortune was invested into Egyptian loans.
Why did Britain see intervention in Egypt as moral necessity?
In the short term, violence against Christians in the region helped Britain claim that intervention in Egypt was necessary to prevent European loss of life. A row between an Egyptian man and Maltese man escalated into anti-Christian riots across Alexandria, with around 300 dead. Britain blamed Arabi Pasha.
Why did the French withdraw from any military intervention in Egypt?
January-September 1882
Although the French issued the join Gambetta Note with the British, the French offered no participation in military action in Egypt when ships were sent in May. The French were concerned about Chancellor Bismarck of the German Empire who indicated that Germany had changed its position on Egypt and was no longer willing to support dual action by France and Britain in Egypt. France could not fight with Germany again after losing in the Franco-Prussian War. Russia, Italy and Austria-Hungary supported the Ottoman Sultan stating that there would be no changes without consent of the Great Powers.
Leon Gambetta fell from power in late January 1882 and the new PM was less inclined to intervene in Egypt. The French Parliament feared Germany more than any losses to bond-holders and refused to back intervention.
What was the timeline of the occupation of Egypt in 1882?
- January - Britain and France issue the Gambetta Note
- 20th May - An Anglo-French fleet sail for Alexandria
- 11th June - An anti-Christian riot takes place; Arabi Pasha puts down the riot and fortifies the city against the incoming fleet
- 11th July - British warships bombard Alexandria following a British ultimatum
- 12th September - Pasha is defeated at Tel el-Kebir by the British
- 3rd December - Pasha is exiled to Ceylon and the British restore Khedive Tewfik, becoming nominal figurehead
