Imperialism in Egypt

Imperialism in Egypt greatly injured, but also helped their development politically, economically, and socially. In 1876, when the Suez Canal opened, Ismail Pasha sold the Suez’s shares in order to receive money fast. Because of this stupid decision, the nationalists began a revolution so the leader, Tawfik Pasha, asked for help from British. In 1882 the British occupied Egypt.

Politically, the British took over because they wanted to have outward expansion. They thought that because of their growing population they should expand out from Europe. The Egyptian government was in disarray because the British governor’s son, or Khedive, had been overrun by Colonel Arabi, who wanted no foreign presence in Egypt. The British killed Colonel Arabi’s men and restored the Khedive into power. Unfortunately though for him he had no power because the British did not leave Egypt. In 1881 Egypt started to form a House of Representatives but Britain revoked it.

Economically, Egypt was very unstable, almost like the other African countries, but lucky for them they had a highly efficient trade route. In 1869, along with the opening of the Suez Canal came many profits and a large economy boost. Many profits came from the selling of the Suez Canal Company’s shares to investors. More profits came from every boat because they had to pay a fee for passing through the canal.

Socially, Muhammad Ali had a goal to expand the power of Egypt geographically. In order to accomplish this goal Egypt had to industrialize by building school, public work areas, and factories. Because education was so important to

Muhammad, he sent people abroad to learn more about other nations. He said that education people was a critical part to building a stronger Egypt. Muhammad also built up a large army and conquered surrounding countries to make Egypt stronger in world trade.

Imperialism in Egypt was both bad in some ways, and good in others. It helped the country bring in much needed money but on the other hand it stopped them from taking charge and setting up their own government. In all, imperialism didn’t have much effect it just took Egypt longer to get to their current status.