Egypt Gains Independence!

Like many other territories, it was difficult for Egypt to win its independence. Initially, Egypt’s fight for independence did not involve violence. However, as soon as the British ignored Egypt's plea for independence, violence occurred. However, when Britain declared Egypt a protectorate, in 1914, and sent troops to guard the Suez Canal, more violence stirred, but also a nationalist movement formed. (B) This nationalist movement constituted of a group of politicians whom, collectively, called themselves the wafd. The group then appointed Saad Zaghlul, a former cabinet minister, as the leader of the wafd. (C) On November 13, 1918, the wafd met with Sir Reginald Wingate, the British High Commissioner, to discuss their presence at the Paris Peace Conference. (A) By attending the Paris Peace Conference, the wafd hoped that they would be able to present Egypt's case of gaining complete independence. However, the British government refused the request. Since the British government denied Egypt’s hearing at the Paris Peace Conference, Egypt did not have the opportunity to gain support from other nations during its struggle for independence. As a result, throughout 1919, Egypt became agitated and after the British arrested and deported Zaghlul to Malta, violence began to surface among the Egyptian people. (C) Realizing the great amount of violence coming from the Egyptians, the British government released the prisoners and allowed them to continue to the Paris Peace Conference. Egypt declined concessions offered by nationalists and once again violence arose and the British deported Zaghlul. (A) Then, Lord Allenby, the new British High Commissioner, chose to support the wafd. By supporting the wafd, Allenby hoped to outsmart Zaghlul and gain the alliance of many pro-British politicians in Egypt. (A) Therefore, Egypt gained its independence on February 28, 1922!