Why was Egypt controlled by the British from 1882? Flashcards
What was significant about the veiled protectorate?
Gladstone constantly (66 times) said that Britain would withdraw from Egypt as soon as financial stability was restored.
-It had no legal authority as it was still technically run by the Ottomans.
-Lasted from 1882-1914
What were the 3 main reasons why the British protectorate lasted so long?
-Defeat in 1883 of William Hicks by jihadist forces.
-Barings agenda for Egypt.
-The defeat of Gladstone over Home Rule and the switch to Salisbury.
What was ‘home rule’?
Political cause to reduce the power of the British in Ireland. Gladstone’s policies on this split his party and led to the election of Salisbury.
What did the British occupation lead to in government?
Khedive was controlled by consul general and there were much more British administrators in the army and the gov. The nationalists were also gone.
Why did Baring lead to a longer occupation?
He strongly believed that there should be fundamental changes to agriculture and government institutions and this could not be done in the short term.
-London did nothing to stop him.
Summarise the situation between Egypt and the Sudan:
-Egypt had control over Sudan. By the 1870s, this control was slipping.
-Gordon was sent to end revolts against the Khedive and supress the slave trade in Sudan - he returned to England and his successors did nothing to maintain control.
-1881 - The Mahdi rose to power who wanted to rid Sudan of Egyptians and Ottomans - all but 300 of Hicks men died in 1883 (this made Britain decide to intervene as they didn’t believe the Khedive could stop them).
Summarise Salisbury’s position on Egypt:
Whilst he was not swayed by Jingoism, he didn’t want to allow the French to gain further control in North Africa - he was prepared to withdraw and sacrifice Baring’s projects in favour of protecting British interests.
Summarise Salisbury’s attempts to withdraw from Egypt:
-1887-1889: worked with Turkey, France and Germany to ensure that Britain could renter the NV if needed.
-Agreement for withdraw was reached in 1887 but was stopped by the French and Russians who threatened the Sultan with invasion if Britain was allowed to continue in Egypt.
–> This had the opposite effect on Salisbury who was now convinced the French were the biggest threat to the Empire e.g. aggression in the Mediterranean.
Describe Baring and his goals:
Believed the British were superior after his time in India - convinced of his own righteousness to enact reform. Wanted to leave Egypt on better economic footing.
How did Baring spend 1 million of the £9 million pounds aided in the London Convention 1885?
He put it into irrigation and clearing drainage canals of the Nile. Between 1882 and 1902, 8% of Gov. spending was in agriculture and hydraulics.
How did Baring end the bankruptcy of the Khedive by 1887?
Increased financial control and cuts in public spending. Loaned £9 mill pounds to Egypt. Half of tax went to debt repayment.
What were the failures of Baring’s reforms?
His annual budget mostly went to debt repayment, protection and to irrigation which meant other spending was limited and social welfare progress was slow.
-Educational investment was limited as Baring didn’t see this as the responsibility of government. 1901 - he raised tuition fees. He believed too much progress would destabilise society.
- Peasant farmers were taxed more than large landowners (Ushr) –> Officials argued this should be reformed to improve output and prevent rebellion but Baring couldn’t due to Budget constraints.
What was Barings biggest mistake?
He underestimated nationalism in Egypt. After Tewfik died and his son ascended the throne nationalism increased as his son was less compliant. Abbas hoped he could influence the French against British rule.
-Baring believed that the peasants were grateful for his reforms, but forgot about the fact he had limited their social mobility by increasing tuition fees and in reality the Fellahin were much more nationalistic.
In what position did Baring leave Egypt in 1907?
The country was now solvent and agricultural/economic reforms had been made. However, nationalism was much more common in all levels of society e.g. middle class nationalist newspapers.
