In the late 19th century, European powers engaged in a scramble for control over territories in Africa. This period, known as the “new imperialism,” saw countries like Italy and France competing for dominance in regions such as North Africa. Both Tunisia and Egypt fell victim to this imperialist expansion, with their sovereignty being undermined through a combination of economic manipulation and military conquest.
France’s Invasion of Tunisia
Italy’s interest in Tunisia was clear, but it was France that took decisive action. Fearing that Italy might take control of the territory, France preemptively invaded Tunisia in 1881. The invasion was swift, but it led to local uprisings against the French occupation. Despite the resistance, France managed to suppress the rebellions and secure its rule over Tunisia.
Egypt’s Struggle and Loss of Sovereignty
Egypt’s path to losing its independence shared similarities with the Tunisian experience. Initially, European creditors extended loans to Egypt, which eventually led to the country’s bankruptcy. Foreign debt commissioners gained increasing control over Egypt’s finances, forcing the government to overtax the peasantry to service the debts. As a result, nationalist movements began to gain momentum, seeking to free Egypt from foreign domination.
Interimperialist Rivalry and the Suez Canal
The strategic importance of Egypt was amplified by the construction of the Suez Canal, a vital maritime link for the British Empire’s trade routes and colonial interests in the East. France and Great Britain had long-standing rivalries in the region, which were exacerbated during this era of aggressive imperialism. In the 1860s, a nationalist revolt led by the Egyptian army posed a direct threat to the interests of both European powers.
Great Britain’s Military Intervention
While France was preoccupied with its campaign in Tunisia and internal political issues, it did not participate in the military intervention in Egypt. Instead, it was Great Britain that took forceful action to protect its interests. In 1882, British forces bombarded Alexandria, landed troops, and effectively seized control of the country. Britain’s initial aim was to find a local government that could manage Egypt’s debts while maintaining stability. However, the ongoing rebellion and the emergence of the anti-Egyptian Mahdist revolt in Sudan compelled Britain to establish a more direct form of governance.
Britain’s Consolidation of Control in Egypt
As the situation in Egypt deteriorated, Great Britain found it increasingly difficult to identify a cooperative local administration that could fulfill its financial obligations and quell the unrest. Consequently, Britain assumed full control over the Egyptian government. This move was not only aimed at ending the rebellion but also at countering the Mahdist revolt, which threatened British interests in the region.
Questions for UPSC
– How did the economic strategies employed by European powers contribute to the loss of sovereignty in North African countries like Tunisia and Egypt?
– What role did the strategic importance of the Suez Canal play in the interimperialist rivalry between Great Britain and France?
– In what ways did the nationalist movements in Tunisia and Egypt challenge the imperial ambitions of European powers, and how did these powers respond to such challenges?