The problem of Sudan Flashcards
When did Egypt formally occupy Sudan?
When was General Gordon appointed Governor of Sudan by the Khedive? Along with this title what else was Gordon instructed to do?
How did this destabilise the economy and society in Sudan?
When did Gordon resign? Were other governors able to retain strong control?
-Egypt had formally occupied Sudan in 1821.
-Khedive Ismail had appointed the British General Gordon as the governor of Sudan in 1873 to end the slave trade which was embedded in Sudan.
-Gordon made progress in tackling the trade but destabilised the economy and society as the slave traders were some of the most powerful people in Sudan.
-Gordon had resigned in 1880 and subsequent governors had little control.
When did the Mahdist emerge? What did his emergence further do to the region?
How did the Mahdi attract supporters?
Who’s Egyptian force was humiliatingly destroyed by Mahdist forces in 1833?
-The militant Islamist Mahdi emerged in 1881, destabilising the area further.
-The Mahdi capitalised on resentment of Egyptian rule and his support grew.
-The Egyptian army launched operations against the Mahdi but these were unsuccessful and Sir William Hicks’ force was destroyed in 1833.
What were Gladstone and Baring concerned would destabilise Egypt and therefore its ability to pay?
Despite being against the Mahdi what were the British prepared to do in order to avoid an unprofitable military campaign?
Why did Gladstone see no reason to venture in Sudan?
How was Britain stamping out Sudan’s only economic income?
Despite resigning as Governor of Sudan what was Gordon redeployed to do in 1884?
-Gladstone and Baring feared that Sudan’s problems would destabilise Egypt and therefore its ability to pay.
-They were no fans of the Mahdi but they were prepared to leave Sudan alone. Britain supported Egyptian withdrawal to the cost.
-Gladstone saw no reason to be drawn into Sudan as it had no strategic interests other than Egypt, was mostly desert and was inhabited by tribes.
-The only economy was in the slave trade which Britain was stamping out.
-General Gordon was sent back to Sudan in 1884 to organise evacuation.
