In 1811, a bloody Cairo massacre led by the governor of Egypt dealt a deathblow to the series of slave dynasties that had ruled that country for hundreds of years. Their nemesis was Mehemet Ali Pasha, Muslim subject of the Ottoman Empire. From that day on, the man known as the founder of modern Egypt has been a continuous source of fascination in European history. And from that day until his death, the Pasha's life was a continual crisis for modern Europe. This book thoroughly investigates the great international crisis of 1839-1841, precipitated by the Pasha when he turned against his own Sultan, advancing his still fledgling forces against the longstanding Ottoman Empire as well as the European Great Powers, seeking sovereignty over Syria and the authority to solidify Egypt as a powerful and autonomous modern state. This study consists of a month-to-month account of those three pivotal years, providing introductory information on Mehemet Ali's life and the events leading up to the crisis. An epilogue discusses the fate of Egypt after the Pasha's death. In addition to investigating the aims, accomplishments and personality of the Pasha, this book describes the leaders of France, England, Egypt and the Ottoman Empire as they struggled against the increasingly ominous ascendance of Mehemet Ali. Drawing important parallels between the crisis of 1839-1841 and later events, the book argues that the Pasha created a regional paradigm that continues to the present day. A glossary, multiple maps, and chronological lists identifying the major persons and events help tell the complex story of Mehemet Ali Pasha's confrontation with the West.

Book Information
ISBN 9780786428939
Author Letitia W. Ufford
Format Paperback
Page Count 271
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc