The political landscape of Egypt in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was marked by significant British influence, which shaped the country’s administration and governance. This period saw a series of British advisers who were often more influential than the native ministers themselves. The dynamics of this relationship and the eventual move towards Egyptian independence provide a complex backdrop to understanding the era of British control over Egypt.
British Advisors and their Influence in Egypt
During the time of Tawfiq Pasha’s rule in Egypt, British advisers were attached to various ministers within the Egyptian government. These advisers wielded considerable power, often overshadowing the ministers they were supposed to assist. Tawfiq Pasha, who served as Khedive of Egypt from 1879 to 1892, did not resist these arrangements, thereby allowing the British consul-general, Sir Evelyn Baring, known as Lord Cromer, to expand his control over the administration. This period is characterized by the increasing dominance of British officials in the governance of Egypt, with the local rulers having limited autonomy.
Transition in British Policies
Following Cromer’s tenure, his successor, Sir Eldon Gorst, implemented changes that afforded the Egyptian government greater freedom of action. This shift indicated a slight relaxation of the tight grip the British had on Egyptian affairs. Similarly, Gorst’s successor, Lord Kitchener, sought to further stabilize the political climate by making efforts to achieve tranquility. These developments suggest a gradual transition in British policy, moving towards allowing more self-governance for Egypt.
Impact of World War I and Martial Law
The outbreak of World War I brought about significant changes in the political scenario of Egypt. With the declaration of martial law, the political issues that had been at the forefront were temporarily set aside. The war years were a period of uncertainty, with the suspension of the usual political process. This interruption also meant that the question of Egyptian independence was put on hold as the world focused on the global conflict.
Egypt’s Path to Independence
Despite the challenges, Egypt eventually achieved a measure of freedom in the 1920s. However, even after this milestone, the British continued to maintain a form of indirect control over the country until 1946. This extended period of British influence, even after formal independence, highlights the complexities of colonial relationships and the lasting impact of colonial powers on newly independent states.
Semi-Colonialism in China
General Survey of Chinese Civilization
China’s civilization, with its roots stretching back over 4000 years, developed in relative isolation. It was a unique and self-contained agrarian society, where the economy was driven by agriculture rather than trade. Unlike Western societies, China was traditionally ruled by landlords and bureaucrats, not by merchants and politicians. This historical context created a society that was inward-looking and confident in its cultural superiority, viewing other civilizations as inferior.
Western Encounters with China
The first significant contact between China and the Western world occurred when Portuguese explorers reached the Southeast coast of China in 1514. This encounter marked the beginning of a new era for China, one that would eventually lead to increased interaction with other Western powers such as the British and the Dutch. These early contacts would set the stage for future relations and the eventual semi-colonial status that China would experience.
Questions for UPSC
– How did the role of British advisors in Egypt influence the country’s path to independence?
– In what ways did World War I affect the political situation in Egypt and the subsequent British control over the region?
– Considering the history of China’s interactions with Western powers, how did its self-perception contribute to its semi-colonial status?
