Napoleon established his control over Egypt in 1798 but after his defeat in the battle of Nile, the influence of England was established in Egypt. It was of great importance for England as the occupation of Egypt by any other power could create danger for the British Indian Empire.
Formerly, Egypt was a part of Turkish Empire and was ruled by a governor of the Turkish Emperor. In 1811 Mohammad Ali, the ruler of Egypt declared his independence. He was succeeded by his grandson Ismail Pasha in 1863.
He was an extravagant man. He spent a lot of money to maintain his outward show and in making reforms. Therefore, he had to take huge loans from England and France. By this time the economic condition of Egypt had become very deplorable and critical.
New taxes could not be imposed and no country was prepared to extend loan to a bankrupt country. Being oppressed by the critical financial condition of Egypt Ismail Pasha sold his shares of Suez Canal to England, committee was formed in 1876 according to which the influence England and France was established on the income and expenditure Egypt.
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Thus double rule was established in Egypt. Ismail Pasha could not tolerate the intervention of England and France in his country’s intern affairs.
England and France pressurised the Sultan of Turkey for the dismissal of Ismail Pasha from the Viceroyalty of Egypt. Thus Ism Pasha was dismissed and his son Taufique succeeded. Ismail Pasha left Egypt and went to Italy without any sorrow and repentance.