Relevant History

For well over a hundred years, the Egyptians have fought for independence and the opportunity to govern themselves without being oppressed by foreign rule. First, the Ottoman Empire reigned over Egypt and the people were forced to overthrow their ruler, Muhammad Ali. When Ali attempted to create a vast Egyptian empire, he faced an ultimate failure. In 1882, British monarchs ruled over Egypt as they yearned for control over the Suez Canal. Although British gave Egypt independence in 1922, the Egyptians remained under British rule until the 1950s when there was War and Revolution. The Arab-Israeli conflict is also prevalent in society as it remains the source of tension between Egypt and Israel. Although the Camp David Accords brought about a technical resolution, neither party was truly happy and there are still loose ends that cause much unrest.

On January 25, 2010, Egyptians began a revolution that demanded President of 30 years, Hosni Mubarak, to step down from office. This began a surge of unrest in the country as hundreds of Egyptian men and women were violently attacked, and even killed, as they protested the President and his political party. Within 14 days of the start of this protest, Mubarak steps down as president. The armed forces take over control until elections can be held and a constitution can be drafted.