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Napoleon and Europe
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The French, under Napoleon Bonaparte, came to
Egypt in 1798. They had come ashore, confronted the army of the Mamluks in the
battle of the Pyramids, and soundly defeated them. Napoleon sought the
cooperation of the native Egyptian leaders.
He tried to convince them that he was a friend to the muslims and that he
invaded Egypt to free the people from the oppression of the Mamluks, not to
destroy Islam.
As well as creating governmental changes,
Napoleon and the French founded the Institut Francais, a seat of learning to
work for the advancement of science, economics, arts, literature, and other
disciplines. French scientists and engineers also worked on improving roads,
building factories, and constructing arsenals. Napoleon also introduced the
Arabic printing press to Egypt.
The Ottoman government worked against
Napoleon, and the British, under Lord Nelson, destroyed the French ships,
cutting off the French in Egypt. Rebellion erupted, especially in Cairo, and
was quickly put down. However, with Ottoman attacks and British help, the
French were forced to leave Egypt and the Ottomans were in charge again.
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