The Egyptian Revolution of 1952

A military coup that ended the monarchy and brought Gamal Abdel Nasser to prominence.

Background

Egypt was formally independent but British troops remained along the Suez Canal, and the monarchy of King Farouk was widely seen as corrupt. Defeat in the 1948 war with Israel and widespread poverty fed discontent in the army.

Course of events

On 23 July 1952 the Free Officers seized key points in Cairo, and Farouk abdicated within days. General Muhammad Naguib became the public face of the movement, but real power moved to Nasser. Egypt was declared a republic in 1953, and an agrarian reform limited large landholdings.

Legacy

Nasser nationalised the Suez Canal in 1956 and became a leading voice of Arab nationalism and the non-aligned movement. Military-backed rule shaped Egyptian politics for decades.