'Urabi revolt breaks out in Egypt

Background. Tewfik Pasha became khedive in 1879 after his father Isma'il was deposed for trying to rouse Egyptians against foreign intervention. Educated Egyptians in the military and civil service were angered by European domination of top positions, which prevented their advancement. This disaffection, combined with Anglo-French control, culminated in the anti-foreign Urabi revolt.

Escalation. Tension built over the summer of 1881 as the Khedive and Egyptian officers, led by Urabi, searched for supporters. On January 8, 1882, France and Britain sent a joint note asserting the Khedive's authority. Urabi participated in an 1879 mutiny that developed into the revolt against Tewfik's administration, which was under Anglo-French influence.

Outbreak. The political turmoil exploded into violence on the streets of Alexandria on the afternoon of June 11, 1882. Anti-Christian riots broke out in Alexandria on June 12, 1882, caused by fears of an imminent invasion due to a strong naval presence. The demonstrations in Alexandria of 1882 subsequently prompted a British bombardment and invasion, treated here only as the revolt's aftermath and covered by a separate Event.