6.6.2

Egypt

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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.

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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).
Illustrative background for Buying out Egypt Illustrative background for Buying out Egypt  ?? "content

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.
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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.

Jump to other topics

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

18World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

19The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

20Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

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