Evelyn Baring becomes Consul-General of Egypt

Background. Prior to his consul-generalship, Baring served as British controller-general in 1879, overseeing Egyptian finances after the 1876 bankruptcy. His family's bank held a significant stake in Egyptian debt, raising potential conflict-of-interest concerns, though these did not halt his appointment. The political landscape was shaped by the Urabi revolt and the subsequent British military intervention in 1882.

Appointment and Mandate. Following the British intervention in Alexandria, Baring returned from India to assume the post of agent and consul-general. He arrived with a specific mandate for minor reforms and the prompt withdrawal of British troops. Despite the legacy error listing him as a 'Major', he was a civilian administrator and financier, not an active military officer.

Early Administration. Baring's administration relied on the cooperation of Khedive Tawfiq Pasha, who was willing to abdicate governmental responsibility. This arrangement allowed Baring to function as the real ruler of Egypt. His policies focused on stabilizing finances, which by 1887 enabled him to compel the Cairo government to abandon plans to reconquer the Sudan.