Siege of Khartoum begins
- When
- 1884
- Where
- Khartoum; Road northward to Egypt
- Episodes
- 4
The Siege of Khartoum began on 13 March 1884, marking the start of a prolonged blockade by Mahdist forces against the city. Major-General Charles George Gordon, initially sent to evacuate loyalists, remained to defend the garrison. The siege evolved from a loose blockade into a severe starvation crisis by late 1884, as relief efforts lagged behind the deteriorating conditions inside the city.
Episodes
- Failed Offensive
Gordon attempted to clear the road north in March 1884, but the Egyptian force fled after officers defected to the enemy.
- Blockade Escalation
Armoured steamers maintained access for six months, but the city became increasingly isolated as tribal support for the Mahdi grew.
- Siege Commencement
The siege began on 13 March 1884, initially functioning as a blockade rather than a full military siege due to Mahdist strength limitations.
- Starvation Crisis
By late 1884, the garrison and population were starving, having consumed all animals, while Gordon faced mental exhaustion.
Background and detail
Background. Egypt had conquered Sudan in 1820 but came under British domination in 1882. Following the defeat of an Egyptian army at El Obeid in November 1883, the Mahdist revolt intensified. Gordon arrived in Khartoum in February 1884 to manage the evacuation of loyal soldiers and civilians, finding the city occupied by a garrison of 7,000 troops and 27,000 civilians.
Relief Efforts. The British government delayed relief, only agreeing to send an expedition in July 1884. The House of Commons voted to fund the force in August, but the expedition under Wolseley was not ready until November. By the end of 1884, Khartoum's population was starving, having consumed all available animals, while Gordon's diary revealed mental exhaustion.
People involved
- Charles George Gordon · Defender of Khartoum
- Muhammad Ahmad · Mahdist Leader
- Sir Garnet Wolseley · Relief Commander
Sources
- Siege of Khartoum Wikipedia, revision of 2026-08-22
- Charles George Gordon Wikipedia, revision of 2026-09-04
- Muhammad Ahmad Wikipedia, revision of 2026-09-06
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