These notes provide a detailed but clear overview of the history of Egypt under Gamal Abdel Nasser and covers the period of Egyptian history from the Egyptian revolution of 1952, of which Gamal Abdel Nasser was one of the two principal leaders, spanning Nasser's presidency of Egypt from 1956 to his...
Nostalgia for Egypt’s Nasser:
Did Nasser die out of foul play?
Mohammed Hassanein Heikal (Nasser’s close advisor) said Anwar Sadat made a cup
of coffee for Nasser and 3 days later he died – Heikal rejected argument that Sadat
had anything to do with Nasser’s death.
Nasser’s youngest son – Abdel Hakim dismissed allegations – pointed out that local
and international parties had vested interest in seeing Nasser dead – anyone can be
blamed?
Nasser era promoted abolition of inherited privilege + fair redistribution of national
wealth.
Nasser regime - had failings BUT never DIRECTLY associated with personal
corruption – didn’t make personal, financial or personal gains out of his position
Family man – took pride in wearing Egyptian cloths, made sure his kids had no
special privileges.
Nasser’s regime – education was top priority – education as accessible as water and
air – created free system of education – better future and better support aspirations.
CURRENTLY – education in Egypt is not accessible for the poor
- the rich have deserted public education in favour of private schools
- in Egypt – big array of international schools + universities
(American, British, Canadian, French etc.) – produce multilingual
graduates
- divide between rich and poor – western copycats of Beverly Hills
and Palm springs VS slum areas which lack basic amenities
serious flaws of Nasser regime appear less offensive compared to the
growing have-all/have-nothing divide
Nasser’s dream of empowering the working classes + establishing
society built on fair distribution of wealth – not fulfilled anymore
Nasser – many supporters – grieving loss of Nasser and their hopes
Despite Nasser’s shortcomings – Nasser’s dream still resonates not
only in his country but beyond
Popular campaign for election of Gamal Hosni Mubarak – as president
Gathers momentum – Nasser’s era is still missed
Nasser’s Military Career:
British occupation of Egypt – entrance in military academy was only for elite and
middle class
, 1936 – Wafd Part – opened military academy up for nationalistic politically active
youth – anti-colonialism + fight for complete Egyptian independence
1936 Treaty with British – Egyptian military became independent from being under
British occupation – Egyptians planned; enlarging the army, desperate need for new
officers – new opportunities in Egypt – army bought people who were most eager for
change in status quo – young men of lower classes with no stake in preserving the
existing power structures.
March 1937 – Nasser’s application into royal military academy accepted – 17 month
program – talents recognised – appointed head of study group within 6 months
July 1938 – Nasser and fellow officer Anwar Sadat sent to Mankabad - had long
conversations – decided to topple monarchy – vow to change current state of
governance
Sadat and Nasser – similar, a friendship blossomed – came from same type of poor
background – both wanted to join army to achieve change in Egypt and were
passionate that change was necessary to restore pride of Egyptian people + liberate
country
1939 – Nasser + Sadat + young officers founded nationalist group – Free Officers
Organisation – became more organised in 1950s
Free officers – loosely organised network of pro-revolution soldiers aiming to utilise
positions in military to topple and rebuild Egyptian govt + ousting foreign influence
from Egypt
1. Elimination of imperialism
2. Destruction of feudalism
3. Establishment of social justice
4. Formation of strong Egyptian Army
5. Creation of sound democratic life
6. Liberation of government from capitalist control
Nasser – Stationed in Sudan
Anwar Sadat – sent to Cairo
The separation was costly – couldn’t instigate much change
Following years : Nasser continued debates – failed to accomplish change
Sadat – more active – proclaimed himself anti-British revolutionary group – involved
in assassination + kidnapping plots
Sadat – arrested and stripped of rank by Egyptian authorities – involved in plot with
German spies
End of 1942:
Nasser became leader Free Officers – he transferred from Sudan to Lower
Egypt + British forced Farouk to yield instalment if Wafd-coalition govt
Abdeen Palace Incident of 1942 – big impression on Nasser (start of
revolution)
Saw it as violation of Egyptian sovereignty – wished for ‘calamity’ to overtake
British
Next few years;
Nasser worked to strength free officers
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