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Egypt

Egypt was never a formal British colony. But because of the importance of the Suez Canal, Britain had a lot of interest and influence in Egyptian affairs.

The Suez Canal

The Suez Canal

  • Egypt was another African country to which the British had not paid much attention before the late 1800s.
  • But in 1869, the Suez Canal was built.
  • This connected the Mediterranean Sea in Europe with the Indian Ocean, and so provided a quick route from Europe to Asia (and, importantly, India).
Buying out Egypt

Buying out Egypt

  • The British immediately realised the importance of the Suez Canal and recognised how vital it could be for their trade with India.
  • When Egypt landed in financial difficulties in 1875, the British Prime Minister, Disraeli, bought Egypt’s 44% share of the canal.
Informal control

Informal control

  • Britain now had a great deal of control over the Suez Canal, and a reason to be invested in the future of Egypt and its affairs.
  • Although Egypt was never a formal British colony, Britain informally ruled Egypt and had a lot of say in how it was run.
    • Because Britain's rule was not formal/direct, it is called indirect rule.
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