Egypt

• Why was Egypt economically important?


  produced cotton for trade.

  • US civil war between 1961-1964 means stopping of export (US was largest cotton supply)
• why was the Suez canal of importance?


  strategic asset.

  • decreases route of Europe-India by 6,000 miles
  • 1875 Disraeli bought shares to 44% to increase involvement and protect the route to India
  • Uk have chance to increase economic interests in 1874 when ottoman empire was in decline, giving more and more of Egypt autonomy. (causes intervention !)
• Egyptian revolt?

  • 1875 UK and France come in to financially stabilise Egypt, leading to an uprising in 1881. Arabi Pasha was an Egyptian army officer leading it and wanted to free Egypt of any European influence
  • 31st July 1882 William Gladstone agreed to use force in suppressing the uprising, defeating Egyptian forces at Tel-El-Kabir and occupied Cairo
• what was the outcome of the Madhi uprising?

  • 1882 Lord Cromer arrived in Egypt as the First Consul General.
  • Britains intervention caused resentment in Egypt and Madhist uprising between 1881-1900.
  • Egypt as an outcome was ruled by Britain as a veiled protectorate. Also signed an anglo-Egyptian condominium meaning Britain and Egypt had joint control over Sudan (stability in both regions)
• how was the Madhist uprising stopped?

  Lord Kitchener was appointed as general military leader and managed to defeat Madhists, regaining control in Khartoum (Britain can easily handle instability with force)