History of Egypt

The establishment of European financial control over the country, the seizure of the most important state posts by Europeans caused serious opposition among all layers of Egyptian society. The oppression of foreign capital was felt by peasants who were forced to pay exorbitant taxes to pay interest on foreign loans. The displeasure engulfed merchants, artisans, army officers. The mobilization of funds to pay debts affected all.

Originally the culprit of all misfortunes considered discontent the Khedive Ismail. However, as the activities of the European controllers and commissars unfolded, and especially after the creation of the "European Cabinet," it became clear who was the real enemy.

At the head of the opposition were representatives of the young Egyptian intelligentsia and army officers. They created secret societies, called themselves "Watanists," that is, patriots. The Vatanists first put forward the slogan "Egypt for the Egyptians." The prominent figure in the patriotic movement was Ahmed Arabi, an army officer who came from the peasants. The ideologists of the liberation movement were Egyptian intellectuals Muhammad Abdo, Adib Iskhak, Abdallah Nedim.

In 1877 the Vatanists began to publish opposition newspapers in which they criticized the Khedive and the "European Cabinet," and opposed the enslavement of Egypt by foreigners . The history of Egypt ...

Many members of the Chamber of Notables from the liberal landowners joined the oppositionists. They came forward with moderate demands: for Egypt's independence, constitution and responsible government.

In February 1879, in order to save public funds and mainly to ensure uninterrupted payments to foreign creditors, the "European Cabinet" decided to dismiss 2,500 officers and not pay them the same debts. This caused an explosion of indignation. The dismissed officers organized a military demonstration, arrested Nubar Pasha and Rivers Wilson and locked them in the Ministry of Finance building. The Khedive Ismail, who arrived there, could not calm the officers. The troops summoned by him refused to open fire on the demonstrators, they shot into the air. Only having received a promise to satisfy their demands, the officers liberated Nubar and Wilson. In Egypt, the compatibility of men and women was very interesting. It was believed that if the Gemini twins marry the twin men, then their marriage will be very happy.

The performance of the officers showed the strength of the anti-English sentiments in the country. The government was forced to make concessions. Nubar Pasha was retired, the order to dismiss the officers was canceled, and all debts were paid to them. However, all foreigners retained government posts, representatives of Britain and France awarded the right to veto any decision of the government, which in some measure could damage the rights of creditors.

History of Egypt