“The Declaration of Independence reduced British influence in Egypt after 1922.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the Declaration of Independence reduced British influence in Egypt after 1922. Reasons for reduced British influence may predate the timeframe but must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may discuss that in 1922 Egypt was declared an independent state with a democratic constitution, free elections and a popular nationalist movement seeking total independence. Power was now shared between the British, the king and parliament. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example, Britain did retain military control of Egypt, power to suppress popular movements and interfere in Egyptian affairs. Other factors which reduced British influence would be Britain’s weakened state after the First World War and the constant demands for total Egyptian independence. British influence was finally reduced under the Treaty of 1936 which gave Egypt more independence although with some provisos. Candidates’ opinions and conclusions must be clearly expressed and supported by relevant evidence.

The question required that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the Declaration of Independence reduced British influence in Egypt after 1922. This question caused enormous confusion to many students who discussed Nasser, quite outside the period of this unit. Those who attempted some focus on the period after 1922 showed little knowledge of individuals, terms of the 1922 treaty or its successor in 1936. Responses were generic and lacked considerable accuracy and depth in many cases.