EgyptBefore being imperialized:The British and French fought over control; Napoleon briefly takes control over Upper and Middle Egypt, but Britain realizes the direct threat to their trading routes to India (currently their colony) and drives the rest of the French forces out of Egypt. For a brief period of time the British held complete control over Egypt, but a strong Egyptian leader named Muhammad Aliled a powerful army and re-takes Egypt. Britain doesn't return to Egypt for 75 years.

Who? What? When? How?Who?-BritainWhat?-The defeat of Muhammad Alis army at Nisibin and regaining control over Egypt (alongside the French)When?-1882How?- A series of revolts rose up in Egypt against the Europeans, but the French refused to help silence the revolt; therefore the British took initiative and, almost by accident, found themselves to be in complete control over Egypt.

Britains MotivesBritains main motive to controlling Egypt was to have a short trading route with its colony, India. Previously, British ships would have to sail around the southern tip of Africa, the Cape of Good Hope, to have access to India. Now, the Suez Canal, built by the French, provided a direct route to India. Also, a lack of cotton in Britain led to many British companies investment in Egyptian cotton production.

EffectsFollowing Britain sudden domination over Egypt, the British had complete control over the countrys finances, government personnel, and the armed forces. At the outbreak of the Great War, Britain made Egypt a protectorate and closed the Suez Canal to all but allies and neutral countries. The end of the Great War brought nationalistic feelings into the Egyptians minds.

Effects (contd)As Egyptian nationalists saw how the Ottoman Empire was being divided, they wanted independence as well. Riots broke out in Egypt, and in 1922, Britain ended the protectorate. However, Britain still had complete control over the affairs of Egypt. For example, if the King of Egypt decided to appoint anti-British government officials, the British would step in and force the King to reconsider.

IndependenceYear of independence: 1956How?- Britain was losing control over Egypt after India claimed its independence. It had almost no use for Egypt anymore, but Britain still held on to it. The creation of Israel led to more nationalism, and a state of emergency was called in 1951. A strong Egyptian leader, Colonel Nasser, eventually takes control and ousts the Europeans from Egypt.

Egypt TodayToday, Egypt is in turmoil. Protests were held against the former Egyptian leader, Hosni Mubarak, which led to the Egyptian presidents resignation. Economically, the country is not faring well either. Egypt relies heavily on tourism, but tourism has died down because no one wants to go on vacation to a country in turmoil.

IranBefore being imperialized:Iran was a weak country. Most people lived in the countryside and provided food for themselves and their families. There were many different tribes; these tribes did not dispute regularly due to their common religion, and they were governed by a fragile monarchy.

Who? What? When? How?Who?- Britain and RussiaWhat?- Signing of the treaty The Convention of St. Petersburg and the partitioning of Iran (northern part to Russia, southern part to Britain) Irans government was not even considered in this agreement.When?- 1907How?- Both Russia and Britain wanted Iran for themselves, so they came to an agreement to split it between them.

MotivesBritain Britain wanted Iran for better communication with India and also its rich supply of oil. Also, ironically, Britain wanted it as a buffer for Russian expansion.Russia Russia wanted protection of the southern flank of its empire and to prevent Britain from expanding its empire.Both Both countries sought to maintain the social differences between the tribes and keep the government weak and dependent.

EffectsAfter oil became invaluable to the British, oil instigated competition with other countries. Those who had control over oil had control over those who used it and ultimately the world economy. Irans government lost control over its own country. It declared itself to be neutral during WWI, but British forces that guarded the southern half brought the fighting to Iran. Following WWI, British took complete control over Irans army, treasury, transport system and communications network.

IndependenceYear of Independence: 1946How?- During WWII, British and Russian troops were still very present in Iran. However, in 1942, both the British and the Russians agreed to respect Irans independence and withdraw their troops 6 months after the war ended. The last troops to leave Iran were Russias in 1946.

Iran TodayBoth politically and economically, Iran is not faring very well. Irans president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, is more like a dictator, and he relies heavily on religious leaders as well to aid him with the countrys affairs. Iran has closed all trading with the United States, and they cannot buy goods from the US (or the US from them), which hurts Iran economically.

JordanThe British occupied Jordan (Transjordan) for communications with Palestine and the rest of the Ottoman Empire. In 1922, the League of Nations offered Transjordan as a mandate to Britain, but only 4 years later did Transjordan declare its independence. Britain did not hold too much control over Jordan due to its lack of resources, but after its independence Britain and Jordan maintained a close relationship.

Syria and LebanonIn 1922, the French received and approved mandate over Syria and Lebanon. The French then proceeded to build roads, improve town planning, encourage agriculture, and establish the University of Damascus. The government, though, is where the French and Syrians disagreed (they have very different views on how to govern the country). The French believed they would be in control for a long period of time, but the Syrians fought for independence.

Syria and Lebanon (contd)At the beginning of WWII, Syria and Lebanon were occupied by both Britain and France. In 1946, the French promised the Syrian population independence, and by the end of the year (and WWII), Syria had gained its independence and a place in the newly founded United Nations.

Bibliographyhttp://www.mideastweb.org/iranhistory.htmhttp://regentsprep.org/Regents/global/themes/imperialism/middleeast.cfm http://courses.wcupa.edu/jones/his312/lectures/egypt.htm http://www.britishempire.co.uk/maproom/egypt.htm http://revcom.us/a/089/iran-en.html http://www.britishempire.co.uk/maproom/transjordan.htm http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/578856/Syria/29921/The-French-mandate