Egypt up to 1945 Following the outbreak of WWI, Britain declared Egypt a British protectorate. In 1922 Egypt was recognized by the British as a sovereign state, but with four provisions. Britain retained control of the Suez Canal. Britain had the right to defend the rights of foreigners and minorities. Britain had the right to determine the status of Sudan. Britain had the right to defend Egypt from an invasion, and so kept its armies stationed there. In 1919 Woodrow Wilson outlined his 14 Points regarding the landscaping of post-war Europe, among them the right to self-determination.

Anglo-Egyptian Treaty of 1936 Permitted Egypt to become a member of the League of Nations. Allowed 10,000 British troops to be stationed in the Canal Zone for another twenty years. Many nationalists were disappointed with the treaty and considered it a false independence.

Egypt and WWII The British had a strong influence on Egypt's military from their past rule of Egypt King Farouk was a weak ruler during WWII and lived a lavish lifestyle. He brought many ex-Nazis to Egypt as rulers, so the people turned to Nasser to overthrow Farouk. WWII was brought to Egypt when Italian forces launched an attack on the British stationed there. Egyptian people supported the Germans, at first, because they wanted to get rid of the British. They officially declared war on Germany and Japan in 1945, partially to gain a seat in the UN. WWII actually brought economic prosperity to Egypt, but faltered after it ended.

Young Nasser Nasser was born on January 15, 1918, in Alexandria. When he was six he went to live with his uncle to attend primary school. His ambition was to join the army, but his first application to the military academy was rejected.

Free Officers' Movement Arose out of frustration with the failure of the government of Egypt to stand up to the British Empire. Six Point Plan Liquidation of colonialism End of the rule of power by wealth Liquidation of feudalism Establishment of social equality Building of a powerful army Establishment of free, democratic elections

Post War Egypt Social and Economic Conditions: Folks suffered very badly in the depression of the 1930's and most people lived right above the poverty level. Imperialism still was a big part of everyday life. Political Conditions: Mahmoud Fahmi al-Nuqrashi, the Prime Minister, called for a removal of British troops and removal of the treaty of 1936. Palestine was partitioned into an Arab and Jewish state, which led to conflict almost immediately