The Nile Valley 1882-1898
Introduction
Arab Nationalism against the Ottoman Empire caused Britain (under Gladstone) to
occupy Egypt and take control
o Insisted this was temporary – to protect British interests
Occupation seemed to be
o A complete U turn for Gladstone – known as cheap government with low tax
rates
o Occupation followed by ‘scramble for Africa’
Nile valley explains Gladstone’s change in policy, British colonisation of Africa and
later intervention in the Nile
Why did the British intervene in Egypt in 1882?
The Ottoman Empire captured Egypt in 1517 and by 1800s was in decline
British worried that if it collapsed completely, Austro – Hungary, Russia and France
might gain influence in the region
Suez Canal in 1869 made Egypt very important to Britain – opened up a new trade
route to India
Territories within Ottoman Empire were ruled by local lords – pledged loyalty to the
Sultan (Ruler) of Ottoman Empire in Istanbul
Egypt ruled by Khedive (similar to viceroy in India) who enjoyed political freedom
1860s/1870s – borrowed lots of money from Br and Fr to fund Egypt’s development
o By 1870S – over £100 million – and effectively bankrupt by 1875
In response, Britain and France established dual control and forced the Khedive to
bring in financial reforms – including increasing taxes and cutting army expenditure
1879 – OE Sultan agreed Br & Fr request to remove Khedive and replace with his son,
Tewfik Pasha – a more willing compromiser
Ahmed Urabi (Arabi Pasha) and the development of Egyptian Nationalism
At same time – nationalist movement began in Egypt which was critical of both
Ottoman and Anglo – French interference in Egypt
This was led by army colonel, Ahmed Urabi – focus of his protests was the issue of
Army pay and formed the Egyptian Nationalist Party in 1879
1879 – had a lot of support amongst the army and from the peasants
Urabi led a coup after Khedive Tewfik tried to sack 2500 army officers
Tewfik had no choice but to appoint a new nationalist Government
Britain and France feared that this new government would refuse to pay back its
debts to them
Protecting European Loans and People
Strategic Reasons
Trade route to India through the Suez was very important to Britain
o Shortened distance and 80% of shipping through canal was British
French purchased majority of shares but Disraeli brought remaining 45% in 1875
Britain wasn’t going to let France get ahead in the struggle for North Africa
Trade
Introduction
Arab Nationalism against the Ottoman Empire caused Britain (under Gladstone) to
occupy Egypt and take control
o Insisted this was temporary – to protect British interests
Occupation seemed to be
o A complete U turn for Gladstone – known as cheap government with low tax
rates
o Occupation followed by ‘scramble for Africa’
Nile valley explains Gladstone’s change in policy, British colonisation of Africa and
later intervention in the Nile
Why did the British intervene in Egypt in 1882?
The Ottoman Empire captured Egypt in 1517 and by 1800s was in decline
British worried that if it collapsed completely, Austro – Hungary, Russia and France
might gain influence in the region
Suez Canal in 1869 made Egypt very important to Britain – opened up a new trade
route to India
Territories within Ottoman Empire were ruled by local lords – pledged loyalty to the
Sultan (Ruler) of Ottoman Empire in Istanbul
Egypt ruled by Khedive (similar to viceroy in India) who enjoyed political freedom
1860s/1870s – borrowed lots of money from Br and Fr to fund Egypt’s development
o By 1870S – over £100 million – and effectively bankrupt by 1875
In response, Britain and France established dual control and forced the Khedive to
bring in financial reforms – including increasing taxes and cutting army expenditure
1879 – OE Sultan agreed Br & Fr request to remove Khedive and replace with his son,
Tewfik Pasha – a more willing compromiser
Ahmed Urabi (Arabi Pasha) and the development of Egyptian Nationalism
At same time – nationalist movement began in Egypt which was critical of both
Ottoman and Anglo – French interference in Egypt
This was led by army colonel, Ahmed Urabi – focus of his protests was the issue of
Army pay and formed the Egyptian Nationalist Party in 1879
1879 – had a lot of support amongst the army and from the peasants
Urabi led a coup after Khedive Tewfik tried to sack 2500 army officers
Tewfik had no choice but to appoint a new nationalist Government
Britain and France feared that this new government would refuse to pay back its
debts to them
Protecting European Loans and People
Strategic Reasons
Trade route to India through the Suez was very important to Britain
o Shortened distance and 80% of shipping through canal was British
French purchased majority of shares but Disraeli brought remaining 45% in 1875
Britain wasn’t going to let France get ahead in the struggle for North Africa
Trade
