“The First World War was the most important reason for the growth of the nationalist movement in Egypt.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the First World War was the most important reason for the growth of the nationalist movement in Egypt. Candidates may refer to the wartime burdens placed on Egypt by Britain which led to financial hardships and growing support for independence. Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points raised expectations for independence and resulted in an extensive uprising when Britain refused to allow an Egyptian delegation at Versailles or grant self-government. Britain’s arrest and deportation of nationalist leaders led to armed uprising and agitation in all social classes including women. Britain, weakened by war, lacked the strength to control the uprising and maintain control and was forced to enter into negotiations with the nationalists. This increased the prestige of the nationalists and resulted in the Constitution of 1922 in which Egypt became independent subject to certain conditions. Candidates may note that a powerful nationalist movement had developed prior to the First World War, laying the basis for eventual independence. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

This question produced weak responses not only due to lack of knowledge, but a significant number of students chose the wrong time period and discussed events post WW2 rather than post WW1 as required. Results were thus rather poor.