British Imperialism in Eastern Africa: England s Occupation to Sudan (1896-1898)

In the 19th century the world trade routes changed direction with the opening of the Suez Canal. In this period, the interest of European states, which was in competition for industrialization, has been turned over to East Africa. Especially, the Egyptian controlling the Suez Canal and Red Sea port cities, which were arrived by transit trade, gained importance. In this respect, England occupied Egypt, which is in an important position for colonies in the Far East. Then, Britain began to pursue enlargement policy towards Sudan. The occupation of the Sudan by the United Kingdom took place in two stages. In the first stage, between 1882 and 1885, William Hicks and General Gordon were sent to Sudan, but failed because of the Mahdi Movement that broke out in Sudan. In the second stage, between 1896 and 1898, it is the occupation attempt under the command of General Herbert Kitchener in spite of Mahdi State in Sudan. In 1896, the UK wanted that Egyptian-British allied armies under the command of British General Kitchener must march towards Sudan. Sudan s occupation took about 3 years due to the adverse effects of climate conditions, the inadequate geographical conditions, the lack of replenishment activities and the incompatibility between the British and Egyptian armed forces. During this time, there had been numerous clashes between the British and Egyptian forces, except for the great battles between the troops affiliated to Caliph Abdullah. However, the Anglo- Egyptian forces were able to move forward. The development that changed the fate of Sudan was the defeat of the Caliph Abdullah against the Anglo-Egyptian forces in the Atbara War. After this war, the Anglo-Egyptian forces had the opportunity to advance to the front of Omdurman. The British domination in Sudan was realized with the defeat of Caliph Abdullah in the Battle of Omdurman. And so the Mahdi State was destroyed. In January 1899, the Anglo-Egyptian joint administration was established at the conclusion of the “Condominium Agreement”. In the following periods, the Egyptian authorities were disengaged, and Britain itself ruled the region.