The revolt of the Sudanese troops free essay sample

The partitioning of Africa and the penetration into its territory at the end of the 19th century was not suffered in silence. The resistance movements against foreign invasion were held in different African countries. The reason for fierce reaction was not only the fact of colonization itself. The main reason was that too little consideration had been given to the rights and interests of the natives; and no special effort was made to conciliate and provide adequately for the native leaders, whose possessions and powers had been materially diminished in the process of military occupation. The consequences were obvious. The revolt of the Sudanese troops in 1897, and the rebellion in Uganda which lasted from 1897 to 1899, were unfortunate affairs that might have been avoided if the proper precautions had been taken and a more just treatment had been accorded the native leaders. British experience in Egypt was similar. To invade into Egypt the British Army was forced to destroy Egyptian forces resistance in 1882. We will write a custom essay sample on The revolt of the Sudanese troops or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The British invaded Egypt to protect European financial interests and restore European political influence through securing the Suez Canal. The British had sought to maintain their influence at Cairo by supporting the existing government, not by doing away with it but had failed. Britain intervened and assumed control of Egyptian finances. Intervention, however, produced a strong reaction. Led by Colonel Ahmad Urabi Pasha, a nationalist uprising swept through Egypt destroying European property and lives and disrupting European control until the British Army crushed the nationalists and occupied the country. In South Africa conditions were too far from satisfactory and troubles were numerous and increasing. In the Transvaal the independent rule had proved a failure. The government was practically bankrupt and the leaders divided and selfish. Added to these difficulties, there was constant friction between the Boer farmers and the native tribes particularly the Zulus of Natal who were on the verge of revolt. On April 12, 1879, the Boers started a revolt near Pretoria, demanding independence that resulted in the proclamation of a republic in1880. The beginning of the 20th century, in particular, the period after World War I, was the time when African politicians started to realize the patriotism or nationalism ideas on practice. The major impetus for this movement proceeded from the First World War experience in which colonial troops were used solely to protect interests of European countries. However this experience enabled African people to realize their own strength. Moreover, the cruelty of war showed that the Europeans were not so unconquerable. Though, the greatest territory of African continent still remained under European control the post-war period laid the foundation of the future independence movements. Reference: Wesseling, H. L. (1996) Divide and Rule: The Partition of Africa, 1880-1914. Translated by Arnold J. Pomerans, Westport, CT: Praeger