Gamal Abdel Nasser

An introduction to his rise to power.

Pre-1945

Pre-1945 Governed by foreign powers Ottoman Empire Influenced by the British by placing the ruling

family in power WWI lead to Britain declaring Egypt a “British

protectorate” Egypt became recognized by Britain as sovereign

state but still retained influence The Anglo-Egyptian treaty was signed in 1936

and seen as fake independencePearson 215-216

World War II

Affects of WWII on Egypt Conflict came to North Africa in 1940 when Italy attacked

the British in Egypt Many Egyptians supported the Germans and Italians in

hope that it would rid Egypt of the British Britain controlled most of Egypt and the appointed Prime

Minister was easily bullied into siding with the British Government declared war on Germany and Japan in 1945 The Prime Minister, Aly Maher, was assassinated Ended war but was “neither victor nor vanquished nor

neutral”Pearson 218

Nasser’s Early Years

Nasser’s Early Years Born January 15, 1918 Connection with “Upper” and “Lower” Egypt Ambition was to join army, but he was

unsuccessful the first time because he lacked social connections

Arrested in 1936 for participating in anti-British demonstration

The Secretary of State, Ibrahim Kheiry, gave him support

Pearson 218-219

Free Officer’s Movement

Free Officers Movement 1942: Nasser was promoted to captain The movement arose from disagreements and frustrations with

the government and king Six Point Plan The liquidation of colonialism and the Egyptian traitors who

supported it. The end of domination of power by wealth The liquidation of foudelism The establishment of social equality The building up of a pwerful army The establishment of free elections and a healthy democratic

atmospherePearson 219

Post-War Egypt

Post-war Suffered badly economically during the

1930’s. 1947- British mandate over Palestine returned

to the United Nations 1948- Birth of Israel led to conflict Israel won battle with Egypt 1948- Prime Minister al-Nuqrashi assassinated Calm and peace was never restored

Pearson 220