Sultanate of Egypt Facts for Kids

The Sultanate of Egypt was a short period when Egypt was under the control of the United Kingdom. This happened between 1914 and 1922. It was called a British protectorate, which means Britain protected and controlled Egypt's affairs.

Egypt's History Under British Control
Egyptian Independence in 1922
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Egypt's History Under British Control

Soon after World War I began, the British removed Egypt's ruler, Abbas II of Egypt. He was called a Khedive, a title similar to a viceroy. Abbas II was removed because he supported the Ottoman Empire, which was against Britain in the war.

A New Sultan for Egypt

Abbas II was replaced by his uncle, Hussein Kamel of Egypt. Hussein Kamel declared that Egypt was now independent from the Ottoman Empire. He also took the title of Sultan. This was meant to bring back the old Egyptian sultanate from before the Ottomans.

However, this new Sultanate was actually a British protectorate. British officials held the real power in politics and the military. This change ended the Ottoman Empire's official, though weak, rule over Egypt.

Growing Unhappiness in Egypt

Many Egyptians were unhappy with European countries interfering in their country. This led to a strong movement for Egyptian independence. British actions during World War I made people even more upset.

For example, Britain bought Egyptian cotton and animal food at very low prices. They also forced about 500,000 Egyptian farmers, called fellahin, to join labor and transport groups. These groups helped the British army. Egypt was also used as a base for British, Australian, and other soldiers.

After the war, Egypt's economy suffered. Prices went up, and many people lost their jobs.

New Leaders and Calls for Freedom

When Sultan Hussein Kamel died, his son did not want to become Sultan. So, Hussein Kamel's brother, Ahmed Fuad, became the new Sultan, Fuad I.

After the war ended, Egyptian nationalists pushed Britain for independence. They were inspired by American President Woodrow Wilson. He believed all nations should have the right to govern themselves.

In 1918, Egyptians started forming a group, or wafd, to demand independence. They wanted to present their case at the Paris Peace Conference. Key members of this group included Saad Zaghlul.

The Wafd Delegation and British Refusal

On November 13, 1918, Zaghlul and other Wafd members met with the British High Commissioner, Sir Reginald Wingate. They asked for full independence for Egypt. They also wanted permission to go to London to speak with the British government.

The Egyptians formed a group called Al Wafd al Misri, or the Wafd, led by Saad Zaghlul. However, the British government refused to let the Wafd travel to London.

The 1919 Egyptian Revolution Begins

On March 8, 1919, Zaghlul and three other Wafd members were arrested. They were sent away to Malta. This action caused a huge uprising in March and April 1919. Egyptians from all parts of society joined in.

There were violent clashes in Cairo and other cities. The uprising spread across the country.

Strikes and Protests Across Egypt

The arrest of the Wafd leaders led to student protests and massive strikes. Students, government workers, and transport workers stopped working. Within a week, all of Egypt was paralyzed.

Railway and telegraph lines were cut. Taxi drivers refused to work. People marched in the streets, shouting for independence. There were violent fights between British troops and Egyptian protesters. Many people were killed or wounded on both sides.

Women Join the Fight for Independence

On March 16, between 150 and 300 upper-class Egyptian women held a protest. This was a major moment, as it marked women's entry into public life in Egypt. These women were led by Safia Zaghlul, wife of Saad Zaghlul, and Huda Sharawi.

Women from all social classes joined the protests. In the countryside, women even cut railway lines. When male leaders were exiled, women took on important roles. They organized strikes, protests, and boycotts of British goods. They also wrote petitions to foreign embassies, protesting British control.

The women's march happened the day before the largest protest of the 1919 Revolution. More than 10,000 people marched from Al Azhar to Abdin Palace. Thousands more joined them, ignoring British roadblocks. Similar protests broke out in other cities. By the summer of 1919, over 800 Egyptians had died.

British Response to the Uprising

General Wingate, the British High Commissioner, understood the strength of the Egyptian nationalists. He tried to convince the British government to let the Wafd go to Paris. However, the British government was against Zaghlul and refused Egyptian demands for independence.

Wingate was called back to London. Sir Edmund Allenby, a famous British general, was sent to Egypt. He arrived on March 25.

Allenby met with Egyptian nationalists. He was convinced that releasing the Wafd leaders was the only way to stop the revolt. On April 7, Zaghlul and his group were released and left for Paris.

The Milner Mission and Agreement

In May 1919, Lord Milner was sent to Egypt. His job was to figure out how Egypt could govern itself while Britain kept control. The mission arrived in December 1919 but was boycotted by Egyptian nationalists.

Milner realized he needed to talk directly to Zaghlul. They met in London in the summer of 1920. This led to the Milner-Zaghlul Agreement. In February 1921, the British government agreed to end the protectorate.

When Zaghlul returned to Egypt on April 4, 1921, he received a huge welcome. This showed that most Egyptians supported him. However, Allenby wanted to weaken Zaghlul's power. On December 23, Zaghlul was sent away again, this time to the Seychelles. This led to more protests and strikes across Egypt.

Egyptian Independence in 1922

On February 28, 1922, Britain declared Egypt independent. This was done without any negotiations with Egypt. However, Britain kept control over four key areas.

These areas were:

Protecting British Empire communications in Egypt.
Defending Egypt from foreign attacks.
Protecting foreign interests and minorities in Egypt.
Controlling Sudan.

So, Britain still had a lot of influence over Egypt, even though it was officially independent.

Sultan Ahmad Fuad became King Fuad I. His son, Faruk, was named his heir. Lord Allenby remained the British High Commissioner until 1925. In April, a new constitution was approved, and parliamentary elections began.

Sultanate of Egypt facts for kids

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