Egypt before the1950s In 1923 a constitution was proclaimed in Egypt, and elections for the first parliament were held in January 1924. The consuming desire for independence in Egypt was partially fulfilled in 1936. The result was an Anglo-Egyptian treaty of alliance that recognized Egypt’s independence, though it also provided for a British military presence in the Suez Canal zone and reaffirmed Britain’s right to defend Egypt in case of attack. The government’s failure to secure unqualified independence fueled popular resentment against both the British and Egyptian ruling classes. Another important cause of the alienation of the masses from their ruling elite was the growing gap between the rich and poor.

Free Officers

Free Officers in Power In July 1952, a group of young military officers, called as Free Officers, carried out a coup and seized control of the government. First, they undertook to do away with rival contenders for power. They also tried to gain popular support by proclaiming reforms. One of the most important reforms was the land reform announced in 1952. Social reforms were also carried out in urban areas. For instance, to encourage students to attend university, the state abolished tuition fees and opened new universities in the provincial capitals. Moreover, in 1962, Nasser guaranteed a government job to every university graduate.

Foreign Policy Egypt signed a treaty with the Great Britain in 1954 providing for the evacuation of all British troops from the Suez Canal base within twenty months. Britain forces were withdrawn on schedule in April 1956, and Nasser appeared to have achieved a victory that had escaped his Wafqist predecessors. In the 1950s, the United States attempted to construct an alliance system in the Middle East that would serve as a barrier to Soviet expansion. Nasser refused to allow Egypt to join US-sponsored alliances, claiming that these were an extension of imperialism. And he began a propaganda campaign to persuade other Arab states to stay clear of such alliances.

Arms Deal When Nasser approached the West for purchasing arms, he was rebuffed. He therefore turned to other sources. In September 1955 Egypt concluded an agreement with Czechoslovakia to purchase advanced Soviet military equipment in exchange for Egyptian cotton. It caused considerable annoyance in Washington and London.

Aswan Dam The Egyptian government decided to construct a dam across Nile at Aswan. However, since the estimated construction cost was well beyond Egypt’s financial capability, the government asked loans from the World Bank. And the bank approved a loan package that involved the US and Great Britain. Because of her annoyance concerning the arms deal, the US withdrew its loan offer in July 1956. A few days later, Nasser responded with a dramatic act of defiance. He nationalized the Suez Canal and proclaimed that the revenues from the canal would be used to fund the development projects the West refused to sponsor.

The Suez Crisis In reaction to nationalization of the canal, Britain, France and Israel concluded a secret agreement for joint military action against Egypt, and then launched their invasion in October 1956 to topple the Nasser’s government. The invasion did not topple Nasser’s government. To the contrary, international pressure forced the invading states to withdraw their forces, before they could achieve their aim. Instead of being overthrown, Nasser emerged from the crisis as an Egyptian and pan-Arab hero who stood up two former imperial powers.

Democracy in Egypt The 1956 Constitution proclaiming pluralism Political parties were banned. All candidates to the national assembly were to be nominated and screened by the ruling party’s executive committee headed by Nasser Egypt’s once lively press became a possession of the central government and was subject to rigorous censorship. Nasser was averse to sharing power, and his presidency was marked by the centralization of decision making authority in his hands.