Khedive Ismail of Egypt (1863-1879) – Success and failures

 Study Questions

1. Estimate the importance of Khedive Ismail in the history of Egypt between 1863-1879.

(Give a brief background of the question, show success and failure and conclude)

Khedive Ismail of Egypt (1863-1879)

Khedive Ismail, also known as Ismail the Magnificent, was the Khedive of Egypt and Sudan from 1863 to 1879. Here are some key points about his reign:

Achievements of Ismail the Magnificent

1. Modernization and Infrastructure:

• Suez Canal: Ismail played a key role in the completion and celebration of the Suez Canal, which became a vital trade route.
• Railways: He oversaw the construction of extensive railway networks, improving transportation and trade within Egypt.
• Urban Development: Ismail transformed Cairo into a modern city, often referred to as the “Paris of the East,” with the construction of palaces, opera houses, and other grand buildings.

2. Economic Development:

• Agricultural Expansion: He expanded agricultural lands and improved irrigation systems, such as the Ibrahimiya and Ismailia Canals.
• Industrialization: Ismail established numerous factories, including sugar factories, to boost industrial production.

3. Social and Educational Reforms:

• Education: He increased the budget for education and established institutions like the Egyptian National Library and the Dar Al-Ulum for training teachers.
• Press: Ismail supported the emergence of newspapers like Al-Ahram and El-Watan, promoting freedom of the press.

4. Political Reforms:

• Council of Representatives: He transformed the advisory council into the Council of Representatives, allowing people to choose their representatives.
• Ministries: Ismail replaced bureaus with ministries, establishing the first cabinet to share the responsibility of ruling the country.
• Strong army: He built a strong army for Egypt that was used to stop slave trade

5. International Relations:

• Slave Trade Agreement: In 1877, he signed an agreement with Britain to eliminate the slave trade.
• Ottoman Recognition: In 1867, Ismail secured Ottoman and international recognition for his title of Khedive (Viceroy) in preference to Wāli (Governor).

6. Cultural Contributions:

• Cultural Exchange: Ismail’s reign saw a flourishing of arts and culture, with the establishment of various cultural institutions and events.

7. Legacy:

• Cultural Impact: His reign left a lasting cultural impact, with the establishment of various institutions and infrastructure that continued to benefit Egypt.
• End of Reign: Ismail was deposed in 1879 and spent the rest of his life in exile, passing away in 1895.

Failures of Ismail the Magnificent

Khedive Ismail, despite his many achievements, faced several significant failures during his reign from 1863 to 1879:

1. Economic Mismanagement:

• National Debt: Ismail’s ambitious projects and lavish spending led to a massive increase in Egypt’s national debt, which grew from £7 million to almost £100 million by 1876.
• Financial Crisis: The accumulation of debt eventually led to a financial crisis, forcing Ismail to sell Egypt’s shares in the Suez Canal to the British government.

2. Overreliance on Foreign Loans:

• European Financiers: To finance his projects, Ismail relied heavily on loans from European financiers, which increased Egypt’s dependency on foreign capital and influence.
• Loss of Sovereignty: The reliance on foreign loans and the subsequent financial crisis weakened Egypt’s sovereignty and paved the way for British control.

3. Political Unrest:

• Urabi Revolt: Ismail’s policies and the economic hardships they caused contributed to widespread discontent, culminating in the Urabi Revolt in 1882.
• Deposition: The revolt and the financial crisis led to Ismail’s deposition in 1879 under pressure from Britain and France.

4. Social Discontent:

• Displacement and Exploitation: The focus on large-scale projects and cash crop cultivation often led to the displacement of local communities and exploitation of labor.
• Paternalistic Policies: Ismail’s attempts at social engineering and imposing Western values were met with resistance and criticism from the local population.

5. Environmental Impact:

• Deforestation: The expansion of agricultural lands and infrastructure projects led to deforestation and environmental degradation.
• Soil Erosion: Intensive farming practices contributed to soil erosion and reduced agricultural productivity over time.

6. Cultural Erosion:

• Imposition of Western Values: Ismail’s policies often involved the imposition of Western values and practices, leading to the erosion of traditional Egyptian culture and social structures.

Despite these failures, Ismail’s reign left a lasting legacy on Egypt’s infrastructure and modernization efforts. However, his ambitious projects came at a high cost, both economically and socially.

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Thanks

Dr. Bbosa Science