To what extent was Urabist revolt of 1880-81 in Egypt a nationalistic movement?

The Urabi Revolt of 1880-81 in Egypt is widely regarded as a significant nationalist movement. Here are some key points that highlight its nationalistic aspects:

1. Anti-Imperialism:

• Opposition to Foreign Influence: The revolt was primarily a reaction against the heavy influence of European powers, particularly Britain and France, in Egypt’s political and economic affairs.
• “Egypt for the Egyptians”: The slogan “Egypt for the Egyptians” encapsulated the nationalist sentiment of the movement, emphasizing the desire for self-governance and independence from foreign control.

2. Social and Economic Grievances:

• Economic Exploitation: Egyptians resented the economic exploitation by European powers and the local elite, which led to widespread poverty and dissatisfaction.
• Military and Civil Service: The revolt was supported by army officers and civil servants who felt marginalized and excluded from top positions by the European-dominated administration.

3. Popular Support:

• Broad Participation: The movement had extensive civilian involvement, including propertied peasants, urban guilds, and the intelligentsia.
• Political Clubs and Press: The rise of political clubs and the popular press played a crucial role in mobilizing support for the revolt.

4. National Identity:

• Proto-Nationalism: The revolt can be seen as a proto-nationalist movement, laying the groundwork for future nationalist movements in Egypt.
• Religious and Political Appeals: The movement combined nationalist appeals with religious and political rhetoric, including calls for jihad and loyalty to the Ottoman Sultan-Caliph.

5. Legacy:

• British Intervention: The revolt ultimately led to British intervention and the occupation of Egypt, but it also highlighted the growing nationalist consciousness among Egyptians3.
• Foundation for Future Movements: The Urabi Revolt set the stage for later nationalist movements, including the 1919 revolution and the 1952 revolution that led to the establishment of the Republic of Egypt.

However the following aspects that suggest it was not purely nationalistic:

1. Military Focus:

• Army Leadership: The revolt was led by Colonel Ahmed Urabi and primarily involved military officers and soldiers. The initial trigger was the army’s dissatisfaction with the government’s decision to cut military expenditures and dismiss officers.
• Military Demands: The demands of the revolt included military reforms and better conditions for soldiers, which were not necessarily nationalistic but rather focused on the interests of the military.

2. Lack of Clear National Goals:

• Economic Grievances: The revolt was driven by economic grievances, such as the heavy taxation and financial mismanagement by the government. These issues were more about immediate economic relief than long-term national goals.
• Social Class Involvement: While the revolt had broad civilian support, it also involved wealthy landed notables and urban guilds who were more concerned with their economic interests than with nationalistic ideals.

3. Limited Political Vision:

• Constitutional Reforms: The revolt called for constitutional reforms and a representative government, but these demands were more about limiting the power of the khedive and European influence rather than establishing a fully independent national state.
• Reliance on Ottoman Support: The revolt leaders professed loyalty to the Ottoman Sultan-Caliph, indicating that their vision was not entirely focused on complete national independence but rather on reducing foreign control while maintaining ties with the Ottoman Empire.

4. Short-Term Objectives:

• Immediate Grievances: The revolt was a reaction to immediate grievances and frustrations, such as the dismissal of army officers and the economic crisis, rather than a long-term nationalistic movement with a clear vision for the future of Egypt.

In summary, while the Urabi Revolt had significant nationalistic elements, such as the slogan “Egypt for the Egyptians” and opposition to foreign influence, it also had aspects that were more focused on military and economic concerns, and lacked a fully developed nationalistic vision.

Please obtain free notes, exams and marking guides of Physics, chemistry, biology, history, economics, geography … from digitalteachers.co.ug website.

Thanks

Dr. Bbosa Science