Summary of "أ. غريب رجب | تاريخ الصف الثالث | سياسة مصر الخارجية 2"

In this video, Professor Ghareeb Rajab discusses the foreign policy of Egypt during the reign of Muhammad Ali, focusing on his attempts to annex the Levant and the wars associated with this ambition. The lecture is aimed at third-year secondary school students and provides a detailed historical overview of the political and military maneuvers of Muhammad Ali.

Main Ideas and Concepts:

Muhammad Ali's Ambitions:
- Muhammad Ali sought independence for Egypt from the Ottoman Empire and aimed to expand Egyptian territory, particularly towards the Levant.
- His foreign policy involved military campaigns and diplomatic efforts to annex regions such as Sudan and the Levant.
The Levant War:
- The Levant is located in the northeastern part of Egypt, representing a strategic area for security.
- Muhammad Ali made multiple attempts to annex the Levant, using both diplomatic requests and military actions.
Diplomatic Attempts:
- Muhammad Ali initially sought the Levant through diplomatic means, requesting the Ottoman Sultan to cede the territory in exchange for money.
- He attempted this in 1810, 1811, and again after the Greek wars, but was repeatedly denied by the Sultan due to his ambitions.
Military Campaigns:
- Following his failed diplomatic efforts, Muhammad Ali engaged in military campaigns, successfully entering regions such as Acre and Damascus.
- His military successes were significant but were met with eventual resistance from the Ottoman Empire and European powers.
Treaty of Kutahya:
- After a series of victories, a temporary peace was established through the Treaty of Kutahya, which granted Muhammad Ali control over certain territories but ultimately did not satisfy his ambitions.
European Intervention:
- The rise of Muhammad Ali as a powerful leader alarmed European nations, leading to diplomatic maneuvers to maintain the balance of power in the region.
- The Treaty of London was established to curtail Muhammad Ali's expansion and reaffirm Ottoman authority.
Consequences of Muhammad Ali’s Rule:
- The imposition of heavy taxes and compulsory military service during Muhammad Ali's reign led to social unrest and migration of Egyptians to the Levant.
- His policies resulted in significant military reform and agricultural development in the regions he controlled.
End of Independence:
- Despite his initial successes, Muhammad Ali’s ambitions were curtailed by international pressure, leading to a reduction of his military and political power.
- The video concludes with a reflection on the complexities of Muhammad Ali's legacy and the eventual return of Egypt to a subordinate position under the Ottoman Empire.

Methodology/Instructions Presented:

Understand the Historical Context:
- Familiarize yourself with the geopolitical landscape of the early 19th century, including the Ottoman Empire's influence and the significance of the Levant.
Analyze Muhammad Ali's Strategies:
- Examine the methods Muhammad Ali employed to achieve his goals, including both military and diplomatic efforts.
Evaluate the Outcomes:
- Consider the implications of the treaties and military campaigns on Egypt's status and the balance of power in the region.