The Anglo-Egyptian War of 1882 was a pivotal conflict in the history of Egypt and its relationship with British Empire. Here are the key aspects of this war:
Background
- Egyptian nationalism was on the rise in the late 19th century, with demands for political reforms and independence from foreign influence.
- The Urabi Revolt (also known as the 'Urabi Revolution') led by Colonel Ahmad Urabi began in 1881, aiming to overthrow the Khedive of Egypt, Tewfik Pasha, who was seen as a puppet of the British and French.
- British and French interests in Suez Canal were at stake, as control over Egypt meant control over this vital trade route.
The War
- In July 1882, after Urabi's forces started to fortify Alexandria, British warships bombarded the city, leading to the death of hundreds of civilians.
- The British invasion force, commanded by General Sir Garnet Wolseley, landed in Alexandria on September 10, 1882.
- The decisive battle took place at Battle of Tel el-Kebir on September 13, 1882. The British forces, with superior tactics and firepower, defeated the Egyptian army, effectively ending the Urabi Revolt.
Consequences
- The war resulted in the British occupation of Egypt, which officially began on September 14, 1882. While it was supposed to be temporary, British influence and control persisted until 1922 when Egypt was granted nominal independence.
- Ahmad Urabi was captured and exiled to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), later being allowed to return to Egypt in 1901.
- Egypt was placed under a Veiled Protectorate, where British influence was exerted through financial and administrative control without formally annexing the country.
Long-Term Impact
- The war marked the beginning of a period of British dominance in Egyptian affairs, influencing the country's political, economic, and social structures.
- It also set the stage for further nationalist movements in Egypt, culminating in the 1919 Revolution and eventual independence in 1922.
- The occupation was a significant factor in the Egyptian nationalism movement, which sought to rid Egypt of foreign influence.
Sources
Related Topics