Nasser
Group 3
Claire, Carlee, Keelan,
Cara, Cabagayle
Nasser in Power
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Nasser’s goals for Egypt were to create
independence, social justice and a
better standard of living for the middle
class.
When Nasser came to power, he wanted
to make Egypt independent of external
control and provide total government
control over the economy.
His ability to maintain power depended
on the success of his actions and how he
was viewed by society like many other
single party leaders.
Nasser had anti-imperialist policies and
connected with the concept of ‘positive
neutralism.’
(Pearson 227-33)
Nasser on the
cover of Time
Foreign Policy
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Nasser believed in non-alignment and embraced
“positive neutralism”
Attended the Non-Alignment Conference in 1961
Nasser was friends with Kermit Roosevelt, son of Franklin
Roosevelt and the CIA’s Middle Eastern specialist, but a
formal alliance was never made with USA
Nasser was hesitant to form alliances, saying they were
“too colonial”
(Pearson 230)
Foreign Policy
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Nasser formed a relationship with the
USSR when they agreed to provide arms
to Egypt from Czechoslovakia
This relationship was not as close as the
USSR would have liked
Tensions in this relationship emerged
because Nasser refused to embrace
communism
This tension prevented generous aid from
being given to Egypt
Nasser and Khruschev
of the USSR
(Pearson 230)
Suez Crisis
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1948: Egypt takes over Gaza after the war
1955: Relations between Israel and Egypt
worsen after 39 Palestines and Egyptians
are killed in a border raid
Aug. 4, 1956: Nasser announces the
nationalization of Suez Canal
1956: Israel, Britain, and France plot to
take control of the canal by invading
Egypt, but failed due to poor planning
Because of this incident, Nasser
appeared as a hero and became highly
popular in Egypt
(Pearson 231)
Soldiers during the
Suez Crisis
Domestic Policies: Nasser After Suez
Political Change
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June 1956: New constitution for Egyptian Republic. Stated
Islam as national religion and that Egypt was part of “Arab
Nation”
Structure of government changed as well, now led by
President with 6 year office term and supplemented by a
council of ministers and a National assembly. Liberation
Rally replaced in 1957 by National Union-intended to
replace all political parties. Note: Nasser feared that this
political freedom would result in rise of Muslim Brotherhood
and communists.
July 1957 National Assembly Elections, in which women
voted for the first time. The Assembly was intended to have
a majority of lower classes representatives, but the elections
resulted in an Assembly of primarily middle-class
professionals. (This may be due to the fact that there was a
£50 deposit from all candidates to stand for election).
(Pearson 232-33)
Domestic Policies: Nasser After Suez
Political Change
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The National Assembly was closed
down in March 1958- replaced by
the UAR. It was still however, able to
accomplish significant changes,
including: ban of employment of
children under 12, measures to
improve working conditions,
healthcare, food distribution.
Islamic Nationalism- a domestic
policy under Nasser that aimed to
take Egypt into a new future.
Secularized religious courts,
advanced women’s rights (both of
which were criticized by Muslim
Brotherhood) and made primary
education mandatory.
National Assembly
1957
(Pearson 232-33)
Domestic Policies: Nasser After Suez
Economic Change
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-Confiscation of foreign owned businesses was a result of the
nationalization of the Suez Canal.
-In 1957 Nasser began the “Egyptionization” of all foreign
companies and agencies to reduce the dependence on
foreign investment. A National Planning Committee and the
Economic Organization were set up to organize this.
-Five Year Plan in 1958 was set in motion to increase growth of
industrial output.
-Being a public and private investment plan, it wasn’t as
successful as Nasser had hoped, pushing him to further
nationalize after 1960.
-Corruption was present in the system. Directed officials used
grants towards family and friends and in exchange for bribes.
-Nasser was disappointed that land reform has achieved so
little. Production levels rose, but not by much.
(Pearson 232-33)