Arabi’s Rebellion

This revolt arose originally from a quarrel between the Circa ian and the Arab officers of the Egyptian Army in 1881. Three Arab colonels, one of them Arabi, headed a succe ful mutiny, demanding a change at the Ministry of War, which was controlled entirely by the Circa ians. Later in the year further trouble arose, and Arabi, supported by the whole army, obtained the appointment of Under Secretary, and subsequently that of War Minister. By June, 1882, he was practically a military dictator, and commenced fortifying Alexandria. An ultimatum from the British Government was without effect, and Alexandria was bombarded by the British fleet. The defeat of Arabi at Tel-el-Kebir put an end to the rebellion.