British Control

Ismail's ambitions had bankrupted Egypt, and in 1879, he was forced by the British and French to abdicate in favor of his son. Resentment against such foreign domination led to rioting. In 1882, British troops restored order and occupied Egypt. Although it remained nominally a part of the Ottoman Empire, in fact it was thereafter controlled by the British. When in 1914, Turkey entered World War I against the Allies, Britain deposed the khedive and made Egypt a protectorate.

After the war nationalist sentiment became overwhelming, and in 1922, Britain permitted Egypt to become an independent monarchy, with Fuad I, youngest son of Ismail, as king. To protect its use of the Suez Canal, however, Britain kept troops in the country.