Why did the British Intervene in the Nile Valley in 1882? Flashcards
What reason did the British gov. give for occupying Egypt?
To restore calm and protect British interests.
Why do historians find the occupation particularly interesting?
- U-turn in policy for Gladstone.
- Followed by the scramble for Africa.
What was the problem with the way the Ottoman Empire ruled Egypt?
It was a massive empire that was governed by powerful princes and sultans. Without quick communication, these princes had increased power and essentially acted autonomously.
What was the problem with the Khedive’s rule in Egypt?
From the 1850s relied too much on European financial investment. Its foreign debt had risen to 100 million pounds by 1870. He had bankrupt by 1875-76.
How did Britain and France aim to solve the Khedives debt?
Established dual control - forced Ismail Pasha to introduce financial reforms
-e.g. cut pay to the army and sale taxes on food and goods.
-They also reduced the interest on debt Egypt had to pay back to 5%.
What was the significance of Tewfik Pasha becoming Khedive?
-He was much more willing to compromise than Ismail was. The British and French persuaded the Sultan to replace Ismail with Tewfik in 1879.
-This level of interference also led to a rise in nationalism.
Who was Arabi Pasha?
-Colonel in the army - very nationalist.
-Led protest against Anglo-French control initially over army pay but this spread to ‘Egypt for the Egyptians’.
-Formed Egyptian Nationalist party in 1879.
-Gained support from fellahin.
What happened in Egypt in 1879? How did this affect Britain and France?
Arabi led a coup after 2500 army members were dismissed and they attempted to halve all the armies salaries.
- The new nationalist ministry reversed this and borrowed £400000 from the Rothschilds.
- This concerned the British as they thought he would ignore the Dual Control and not be in their best interests.
What were the strategic reasons for intervention?
The route through Suez Canal was important for trade with India (80% of ships through the SC were British).
-In 1875, Disraeli had purchased 45% of shares which was a sign of Anglo-French rivalry. Britain was not prepared for the French to have superiority in the Mediterranean.
What were the trade reasons for intervention?
-The Egyptians had a market for British exports and also the growth of railways and harbours attracted British contractors.
-By 1880, Britain purchased 80% of Egyptian exports and supplied 40% of their imports. This was important as during American Civil War they needed cotton supply.
What were the financial reasons for intervention?
British bond holders were vulnerable to financial failure in Egypt as they had large investment in them.
-37% of Gladstone’s personal fortune was invested in Egyptian loans.
What were the moral reasons for intervention?
Britain claimed the intervention was due to preventing loss of European life as there were anti-Christian riots and at least 50 Europeans were killed and around 250 Egyptians.
-The riot was blamed on Arabi Pasha although it was not due to Nationalism at all.
What was the Gambetta note? What was the nationalist response?
Stated that the maintenance of the Khedives power was best for Egyptian interests written by French and British in 1882.
-It was a warning to the nationalists.
-The response was to force a nationalist Cabinet on the Khedive.
What was the French response to the Nationalist Cabinet?
Sent warships to Alexandria but did not open fire:
-Germany had changed its position on Egypt and didn’t support French intervention. Frances recent defeat in 1870 meant they couldn’t argue. Other great powers had also delivered notes to the Sultan stating there should be no change to the Control in Egypt.
-Internal politics in France meant that Gambetta fell from power and Freycinet took control who didn’t favour intervention due to German threat.
What was the immediate reason why Britain followed France into Alexandria?
They were unwilling for France to have more control.
