European Imperialism and Nationalism in Sudan
Imperialism and Nationalism were both very powerful motives in the early 19th century.Countries felt the need to be great in the eyes of others, and thus Europeans went out into theworld and grabbed whatever land, territory, or nation seemed convenient to overtake. In 1833,the British government was faced with three different courses of action in Sudan: Not to partakein any hostile action against the Egyptians or the Sudanians, attempt to conquer Sudan usingGeneral Gordan, or rescue Gordan and have him pull out.Geographically, Egypt is directly above the nation of Sudan. The Nile, Egypt's main source ofcommerce extends down from the Mediterranean Sea down to were it diverges into the Whiteand Blue Nile in the nation of Sudan. Among the William Gladstone government of England,they had a policy of recognizing Sudan as part of the nation of Egypt. Members of both theHouse of the Lords and the House of the Commons both recognized that war and conque
SirMichael Hicks, a member of the House of Commons, believed that an "intolerable stain" wouldbe left on English honor and he called for Gordan's freedom so that he could stem religiousfanaticism and take over the Sudan. "It would be a war of conquest against a people struggling to be free. Nationalism was still very important to the British and British honor had been offended, peoplewanted to have Gordan stay until he could break the siege or have an expedition to rescue himand then from there physically take the Sudan from the Egyptians. Both moral and political implications caused the House of Lords and the House of Commons tobe split into two and it would be some time before the issue was fully resolved. The religious crisis in Sudan was similar to the Dryfus affair of France, yet on a much smallerscale. He eventried to console Queen Victoria herself by saying the conquest of Sudan was a lost cause. His occupation symbolized the first step of effective occupation, which wasnecessary due to the Conference of Berlin. The entire conservativehouse was also divided, some wanted to save him, the others called for his abandonment. " He usednumerous arguments from the difficulty of sending supplies to uses of moral issues. said occupation would have destructiveconsequences. Politicians also usedpropaganda such as political cartoons depicting that General Gordan, a war hero, captured bythe Madhi and his fate held in the hands of non-European fanatics. The people that called for the rescue and retreat of General Gordan were mainly followers ofPrime Minister Gladstone. If it came to be a religious issue, the entire population of Africa would rise up to takeout their Christian oppressors, and that would have horrible consequences.
Common topics in this essay:
House Commons,
Imperialism Nationalism,
Christianity Islam,
Egyptians Politicians,
Minister Gladstone,
Queen Victoria,
Liberty Independence,
Khartoum Sudan,
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house commons,
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prime minister gladstone,
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nation sudan,
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