Egypt
History: KS3, topic 6.6.2
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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
Test yourself on Egypt
What was built in 1869?
What share of the Suez Canal did the British buy in 1875?