Week 4: Notes and Slides (10-11) 1

Question 1

What was the purpose of the first dam built at Aswan in 1902?

Answer 1

The first dam at Aswan was built to control the Nile’s flow and support irrigation for agriculture.

Question 2

What was one of Gamal Abdel Nasser’s visions for the new Aswan dam in the 1950s?

a) To enhance Egypt’s military power

b) To promote religious unity

c) To end the river’s flooding and produce hydropower

d) To increase fish stocks in the Nile

Answer 2

c

Question 3

True or False

Statement: Egypt was officially independent from Britain and Europe during the construction of the Aswan dam.

Answer 3

Answer: False
Reason: Egypt was unofficially under British and European influence during this period.

Question 4

How did Nasser view the role of political Arab nationalism?

Answer 4

Nasser believed that the Arab and Islamic world could be self-reliant and independent from Western influence.

Question 5

Why was the Aswan dam project significant during the Cold War?

Answer 5

It symbolized a development project backed by global powers, with Soviet support initially and later U.S. involvement, highlighting Cold War tensions in the region.

Question 6

Which global power initially began construction of the Aswan dam?

a) United Kingdom
b) United States
c) Soviet Union
d) France

Answer 6

c

Question 7

True or False

Statement: The construction of the Aswan dam made Egypt completely self-sufficient in terms of agricultural inputs.

Answer 7

Answer: False
Reason: The dam reduced the natural deposition of fertile silt, making Egypt dependent on external fertilizer sources.

Question 8

Why is electricity referred to as a cornerstone of development in the 20th century?

Answer 8

Electricity is essential for powering industries, infrastructure, and economic growth, making it a foundation for modern development.

Question 9

What impact did the Aswan dam have on fish stocks in the Nile?

Answer 9

The dam disrupted migratory fish patterns, causing a collapse in fish stocks in the Nile and reducing anchovy and sardine populations in the Mediterranean.

Question 10

What is Lake Nasser?

Answer 10

Lake Nasser is a large reservoir created behind the Aswan dam, which stores water and regulates flow for irrigation and hydropower.