The Suez Canal and Egypt

Question 1

In the 1870s what percentage of Egyptian imports came from Britain and why was this?

Answer 1

• 40% of Egypt’s imports came from Britain and it was because Egypt’s mean good was cotton which was limited during the American Civil War

Question 2

How did Disreali get his share in the stake in the canal and when was this plus why was it such a good thing?

Answer 2

• Bought £4m shares helping Pasha who was in debt in 1875.

- The route to India was cut by 6,000 miles.

Question 3

What were the four main stages in Britain establishing control in Egypt and when did they occur?

Answer 3

• In 1876 Egypt went bankrupt I’m British and French creditors took over.
• In 1879 Tewfiq became a puppet ruler.
• Egypt was considered a protectorate
• In the mid 1880s Britain took more than 75% of Egypt’s foreign-trade and provided half its imports