Urabi Revolt | 3 Minute History

Summary

In the 19th century, Egypt struggled with economic instability and foreign interference. Under Mohammed Ali Pasha, Egypt modernized, but his successor, Ishmael Pasha, faced mounting debt from ambitious projects like the Suez Canal. By 1879, Egypt's financial crisis led to nationalist unrest, with military leader Ahmed Urabi demanding political reforms. Tensions escalated into violent protests and riots, culminating in British military intervention and the Anglo-Egyptian War. This conflict marked a turning point, as Egypt's sovereignty was increasingly compromised by European powers, shaping its future political trajectory.

Takeaways

• 😀 Egypt gained virtual independence from the Ottoman Empire under Mohammed Ali Pasha in the early 19th century, and began efforts to modernize.
• 😀 In 1863, Ismail Pasha took over, aiming to rapidly modernize Egypt, investing heavily in infrastructure like irrigation, railways, and schools.
• 😀 Ismail Pasha's unsuccessful war against Ethiopia, combined with large-scale investments in the Suez Canal, worsened Egypt's financial situation, leading to a massive national debt.
• 😀 In 1875, Ismail sold Egyptian shares in the Suez Canal Company to the British to mitigate Egypt's debt, but this wasn't enough to solve the financial crisis.
• 😀 After the panic of 1873, an international commission, primarily led by Britain and France, was sent to oversee Egypt's finances and restructure its government.
• 😀 By 1879, Egypt's mounting debt and increasing foreign influence led to the resignation of Ismail's prime minister, Nubar Pasha, and the installation of Tewfik Pasha, Ismail's son, as a puppet ruler.
• 😀 Tensions between foreign powers and the Egyptian public increased, culminating in nationalist protests and calls for greater autonomy and constitutional reform.
• 😀 Egyptian military tensions arose as a result of ethnic divisions and financial cuts, leading to widespread unrest and the rise of local nationalist leaders like Ahmed Urabi.
• 😀 In 1881, Urabi led a nationalist revolt, calling for an elected government and the removal of non-Egyptian officers from the military.
• 😀 The British and French intervened militarily to support Tewfik's rule and protect foreign interests, leading to violent confrontations with Egyptians, including a deadly riot in Alexandria in 1882.
• 😀 The Anglo-Egyptian War began when British forces bombarded Alexandria after Urabi ignored British ultimatums to stop fortifying the city, escalating tensions into a full-blown conflict.

Q & A

What were the key reforms introduced by Ismail Pasha when he took power in 1863?

Ismail Pasha focused on modernizing Egypt by investing in infrastructure projects such as irrigation canals, railways, telegraph lines, and schools. He also sought to expand Egyptian territory, including a failed war against Ethiopia.

How did Egypt's involvement in the Suez Canal affect its financial situation?

Egypt's involvement in the construction of the Suez Canal, funded in part by foreign investors, significantly increased Egypt's national debt. By 1875, Egypt's debt had surpassed 100 million sterling, while the country's annual revenue was only around 8 million.

Why did Ismail Pasha sell Egypt's shares in the Suez Canal to the British in 1875?

Ismail Pasha sold Egypt's shares in the Suez Canal Company to the British government because Egypt was unable to pay back its growing debts. The sale was an attempt to resolve the financial crisis.

What role did the international commission play in Egypt's governance after 1876?

After Egypt's debt crisis, an international commission largely controlled by Britain and France was established to oversee Egypt’s finances. This commission limited the power of the Egyptian ruler and imposed economic oversight.

What caused the political unrest in Egypt in 1879, and how did it affect Ismail Pasha's rule?

Political unrest in Egypt in 1879 was sparked by unpaid military officers and widespread discontent with foreign influence in the country. The unrest led to Ismail Pasha’s deposition and the replacement of his leadership with his son, Tewfik Pasha.

What were the consequences of Ismail’s decision to dismiss foreign influence in 1879?

Ismail’s decision to dismiss foreign influence in 1879 led to further instability. As foreign powers pressured the Egyptian government, Ismail’s refusal to honor debts worsened Egypt's financial situation and prompted a political crisis.

Who was Urabi Pasha, and why did he become a prominent figure in Egypt’s military history?

Urabi Pasha was a peasant-born officer who rose to prominence as a nationalist leader in the Egyptian military. He became a symbol of resistance against foreign influence and elitism within the military, particularly after he protested a ban on peasants entering the Military Academy.

How did Urabi Pasha’s actions lead to the creation of a nationalist movement?

Urabi Pasha’s protest against the Military Academy ban, his subsequent imprisonment, and his release by his soldiers helped him become a nationalist leader. His movement grew as he demanded reforms, including an elected government and the dismissal of foreign officers.

What led to the outbreak of the Anglo-Egyptian War in 1882?

The Anglo-Egyptian War in 1882 was triggered by rising tensions between the Egyptian nationalist movement led by Urabi Pasha and British and French interests. The British, seeking to protect their control over the Suez Canal, bombarded Alexandria after Urabi's refusal to comply with foreign demands, sparking military conflict.

Why did the British target Alexandria during the 1882 conflict?

The British targeted Alexandria because it was a major port and strategic location in Egypt. Tensions had escalated after Urabi Pasha fortified the city in response to foreign intervention, and riots, including attacks on Europeans, further provoked British action.