The country I decided to research is Egypt. Egypt is located in northern Africa along the Mediterranean and Red Seas. However, most of the country is located in northeast Africa, but the Sinai Peninsula extends into southwest Asia, connecting the two continents. European nations wanted to colonize Egypt because it was considered a treasure, thanks to its fertile land and production of crops such as: wheat, fruits, vegetables, corn, and cotton. Also for its strategic position at the beginning of the Red Sea, which appeared precious to countries such as Great Britain and France. Another reason was because they wanted to control Egypt to protect the main road to India, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong. This route was known as the Suez Canal. The Suez Canal was considered the “lifeline of the Empire” because it allowed quicker access to its colonies in Asia and Africa. It also connected the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, built mainly with French money from private interest groups using Egyptian labor. Egypt has also been targeted due to its weak economy and government, making it an easy target to imperialize. Egypt was colonized three times each by different civilizations. It was colonized by the Ottomans in 1517, the French in 1799, and the English in 1882. A key person involved in the colonization of Egypt was Muhammad Ali. After taking power in 1805, he strengthened the army and concentrated on cultivating the land. He also increased trade with Europe and sent officials to Britain to be educated. The effects of colonization were different in each country. During the Ottoman, French and British periods, Egypt saw different ways of colonizing a land. The Ottomans placed a viceroy in charge of Egypt along... the center of the card... the problem was that the English reserved the right to station troops throughout Egypt. The Egyptians had difficulty convincing the English to leave, improving living conditions, and maintaining power over the English. Finally, in 1936, Egypt and the United Kingdom consolidated Egypt's independence by signing a treaty that reduced British influence by limiting their troops to the Suez Canal, which still allowed them to trade across the Red Sea. However their independence was not finalized until Nasser got England to agree to remove all its troops by 1956. Works Cited "Egyptian Imperialism!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Prezi.com. Network. May 19, 2014."Imperialism in Egypt." Imperialism in Egypt. Network. May 18, 2014. “Colonial Rule: Imperialist Egypt.” Colonial rule: Imperialist Egypt. Network. May 19, 2014."When did Egypt gain its independence?" WikiAnswers. Answers Corporation. Network. May 19 2014.