Egypt Under Colonial Rule Prior to WWI, byt Ashlea Bartlett

The British indirectly ruled in Egypt long before the British invasion in 1883. The British took control of the commerce in Cairo, even before the invasion of Britain. Britain believed it was very important that the country be organized by dependable people that were not Egyptian. The early invasion bought about no physical change to Egypt until Lord Cromer took absolute rule in Cairo (Halvorson 430).

A vast amount of literature was written during this period in Egypt, especially anti-colonialism poetry written by contemporary Arab poets, Muhammad Mahdi al-Jawahiri, Mahmud Sami al-Barudi, and Hafiz Ibrahim. These poems, with their vivid content, show Egyptian citizens emotional response to the political changes Egypt was going through. Although these poets use a strong content, they write their poems through stunning imagery and charming rhythm(Altoma). Muhammad Mahdi al-Jawahiri, was so renowned that Google dedicated an entire day to him.

In 1883, Lord Cromer, the first British agent to take control over Egypt, is responsible for the obtaining absolute rule in Egypt through torment and manipulation. Lord Cromer, a foul manner, nasty ruler, held control over Egypt for twenty four years. Cromer’s idea was to make Egypt a gentleman’s country: the British way. In addition to maintaining control in Egypt, he also controlled the Nile, stopping Italians and French from using it for trade(Welch). Cromer eventually left Egypt and left Sir Eldon Gorst in control of Cairo.

Sir Eldon Gorst, one of the most influential British rulers in Egypt, during the colonial rule. Sir Eldon built four tramways in Cairo and a fifth tramway that ran from Giza to the pyramids. Not only did Sir Eldon bring about public transportation to Egypt, he also developed department stores and shopping districts; however, it is not clear if the stores were to help the British who were enjoying their time in Egypt (Tour Egypt).

After Sir Eldon, Lord Kitchener took charge of Egypt, creating a legislative system that resembled the parliamentary system in England. Lord Kitchener was aware of the threat that if Egyptians were to find out that they could rule in a way other than a parliament system there would be a huge revolt, so he enlisted Egyptian soldiers to fight for what the British believed in. Unfortunately for the British, World War I was this revolution (Tour Egypt).




Works Cited
Altoma, Salih J. "In memoriam: Muhammad Mahdi al-Jawahiri (1900?-1997)." Arab Studies Quarterly [ASQ] 19.4 (1997): V+. Literature Resource Center. Web. 25 Oct. 2011.
Halvorson, Dan. “Prestige, Prudence and Public Opinion in the 1882 British Occupation of Egypt.” Australian Journal of Politics & History 56.3 (2010): 423-440. Historical Abstracts. EBSCO. Web. 22 Oct. 2011.
Tour Egypt. British Occupation Period, 2011. Web. 22 Oct. 2011. Web.
Welch, William M. “No Country for a Gentleman: British Rule in Egypt, 1883-1907.” No Country for a Gentleman: British Rule in Egypt, 1883-1907. 1. 1988. Historical Abstracts. EBSCO. Web. 22 Oct. 2011.