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Jan 1, 1250
The Mamluks
The Mamluks ruled Egypt from 1250 until 1798 when Napoleon took over Egypt. Egypt was dominantly controlled by the Ottoman Empire, but socially controlled by the Mamluks. In the late 18th century the power of the Mamluks was weakened through constant fighting against each other. The Egyptian economy suffered as trade routes shifted away. -
France invades Egypt
Napoleon Bonaparte was part of the French forces that attacked Egypt. France and Britain were the two countries that were interested in Egypt. France wanted Egypt because it had commercial potential and Egypt was a strategic importance to Britain. Britain thought it was a strategic importance for them because it was a quicker route to Asia and India. France occupies Egypt in 1798, but never rules Egypt. -
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali was a military officer of the Ottoman Empire and he established his own independent government in Egypt. While he was a general he invaded Sudan and Syria. He created an educational system, he nationalized all farm land in Egypt, he was a reformer, and he expanded Egypt’s army. Muhammad also introduced new foods and newer technology for the country. -
The Suez Canal
The Suez Canal was built from 1859 to 1869 under the leadership of Ferdinand de Lesseps. The Suez Canal connected two major water ways that were the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. The Canal quickly increased the importance of Egypt. The Suez Canal was made to save time of sailing around the tip of Africa. The Canal was a huge success however it drained Egyptian finances. -
Ismail
Ismail was Muhammad Ali’s grandson and together they made Egypt the strongest Muslim state in the 19th century. While Ismail was in charge the countries debt rose drastically. Ismail spent a lot of money on finishing the Suez Canal. He also spent a lot of money on a well-trained army and produced cotton for export. Ismail used western technology and business methods. By 1875 Egypt was almost out of money. Britain realized this and thought this was a great weakness. -
British Occupation
When the British and French heard that the son of Ismail by the name of Khedive Tewfiq was being overthrown by the Egyptian army they sent warships to Alexandria. Tewfiq moved to Alexandria for his own safety. By this time the army was in control of Egypt. In August 1882 the British put forces on both ends of the Suez Canal and by September took control over Egypt. After the British defeated Egypt they put Tewfiq back into power. -
Fuad 1
Fuad I was the 9th ruler of Egypt. On March 15, 1922 Fuad changed his name from Sultan of Egypt to King of Egypt. In 1922 the United Kingdom recognized Egypt’s independence. The 1923 constitution granted Fuad I some rights. In 1930 Fuad I tried making himself more powerful by making a new constitution limiting Parliament’s power. This allowed Fuad I to dismiss cabinet members at will and Parliament members never lasted their four year terms. -
Egyptian Revolution
The Egyptians immediate goal was to end the protectorate with England and to be an independent state. The people of Egypt were tired of the British government ruling them so they started rebelling. Saad Zaghlul was exiled by the British in December and this sprung strikes and protests across the country. On February 28, 1922 Britain gave Egypt a limited independence and as a result a new constitution was made in 1923. In 1924 the people elected Saad Zaghlul to Prime Minister. -
Muslim Brotherhood
Hassan Al-Banna founded the Brotherhood in 1928 and desired change from Egyptian rule to Islamic rule. Al Banna and his younger five brothers all pledged to live and die for Islam and from that moment the Muslim Brotherhood was born. By 1936 the brotherhood had spread to every Egyptian area. In the year 1949 at age 43 Al-Banna was shot by an Egyptian government agent. After his death the brotherhood still spread and they developed political interest and involvement in society.
