FRENCH OCCUPATION OF EGYPT (1798-1801): A CRITICAL ANALYSIS ON EXTERNAL FACTORS AND INTERNAL CRISES OF EGYPT

Abstract

Egypts internal turmoil causing political instability, economic decline and social ruin were among the factors behind foreign power entrance into Egypt. Oppression and government inefficiency as well as decline in several aspects of life gave a true depiction of the ongoing society and administrative system in Egypt. Nevertheless, external factors also played a role in causing Egypt being colonised by foreign power. This article intends to relook into French occupation of Egypt which occurred in 1798 until 1801 by analysing the external factors and internal crises which enticed the arrival of the occupying power. Based on the method of content analysis, observations were made onto primary and secondary sources. Analysed information were classified and reviewed from political, economic and social perspectives. External factors revealed that the occupation by France had links with world superpowers at that time, in particular Britain and the Ottomans in the aspect of political rivalry. Meanwhile, from the aspect of economy, the desire for control of resources and trade route competition were the main agenda behind the conquest of Egypt. From the social aspect, France was seen to yearn for avenging her defeat in the Crusades and freeing Jerusalem from Muslim rule and spreading the civilisation achieved by the West to eastern countries.