Egypt

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Enemies: Germany, Italy, Japan (axis power)
Allies: UK, US, France, Soviet Union, Britain
1933  1948
Speaker’s list:
Speaker 1:
Honorable Chair, Fellow Delegates,
During World War II, Egypt's strategic position, especially the Suez Canal, placed us under considerable
political and military pressure. Despite declaring neutrality, the presence of British forces highlighted the
challenges of maintaining sovereignty in a global conflict. Our geopolitical dilemma was a testament to
the complexities faced by nations at strategic crossroads.
Speaker 2:
Building on this, Egypt faced economic disruptions and social uncertainties due to the war. Our late war
declaration in 1945 was not just a diplomatic formality, but a strategic step towards joining the post-war
international community, setting the path for Egypt's future independence and national identity
development. This period marked the beginning of Egypt's transformation into a modern state. Thank
you.
Info:
In the main, Egyptian troops did not play a major part on the frontlines in the desert but continued to
provide logistical support throughout the conflict. Egypt would formally declare war on Germany and
Japan in February 1945, as the war entered its final months.
The Suez Canal

Pre-World War II
• Ownership and Control: Before World War II, the Suez Canal was controlled by the British and
French through the Suez Canal Company. Egypt had limited sovereignty over the canal.
• Geopolitical Importance: The canal was essential for maritime trade, particularly for the British,
who relied on it for access to their Asian and Middle Eastern colonies.
World War II (1939-1945)
Initial Neutrality
• Egypt declared neutrality at the start of World War II. However, due to the canal's strategic
significance, it became a point of contention for both the Axis and Allied powers.
Key Countries Involved
1. United Kingdom: The UK had a significant military presence in Egypt to protect the canal, a
crucial route for their supply lines to colonies in India and the Far East.
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2. Italy and Germany (Axis Powers): Italy and Germany viewed control of the Suez Canal as a way
to disrupt British supply lines and exert influence in the Middle East.
Major Events
• Italian Invasion Attempts: In 1940, Italy, operating from Libya, attempted to advance eastward
towards Egypt to seize the Suez Canal. This led to the North African Campaign.
• British Defense: The British, along with Commonwealth forces (including troops from Australia,
New Zealand, India, and South Africa), defended Egypt against these invasions.
• Operation Barbarossa: In 1941, Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union (Operation Barbarossa)
indirectly reduced pressure on Egypt by diverting Axis resources to the Eastern Front.
• The Second Battle of El Alamein (1942): This crucial battle in the North African Campaign saw
the British under General Montgomery successfully defeating the Axis forces led by Rommel, securing
the Suez Canal.
Throughout World War II, the Suez Canal remained under Allied control, primarily British. Its security
was crucial in maintaining supply lines and influencing the outcome of the war in the Mediterranean and
North African theaters.
Moderated caucus:
Economic Implications
Honorable Chair, Fellow Delegates,
In addressing the economic implications of World War II on Egypt, we must consider the profound
impact on our national economy, especially in the context of our stewardship of the Suez Canal. The
Canal, a crucial artery for global trade, became a linchpin in the war, significantly influencing our
economic stability. The war disrupted normal trade flows, impacting our imports and exports and
bringing economic uncertainties. Moreover, the allocation of resources towards defense efforts and the
presence of foreign troops on our soil added layers of economic strain. These challenges highlight the
need for a comprehensive understanding of how conflicts, especially global ones, can adversely affect
the economies of neutral nations like Egypt. We advocate for international support and strategies that
ensure the economic resilience of such nations during times of global turmoil.
Resolutions:
1. Allied Forces Unity: The major Allied powers, including the United States, the Soviet Union, the
United Kingdom, and other nations, formed a united front against the Axis powers (mainly
Germany, Italy, and Japan). This alliance was crucial in coordinating military efforts on multiple
fronts.
2. Military Campaigns: The military campaigns on the Eastern Front (Soviet Union vs. Germany)
and the Western Front (Allied forces vs. Germany) played a significant role in shifting the
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balance of power. Key battles such as Stalingrad, Normandy, and the Pacific island-hopping
campaign were pivotal moments.
3. Technological Advances: Technological innovations, such as the development of radar, code-
breaking machines (like the Enigma machine), and the atomic bomb, played crucial roles in
shaping the outcome of the war.
4. Economic and Industrial Contributions: The economic and industrial capabilities of the Allies,
particularly the United States, played a vital role. The ability to produce and supply vast
quantities of war material, along with the strategic bombing campaigns, had a significant
impact.
5. Strategic Mistakes by Axis Powers: The Axis powers made strategic mistakes, such as invading
the Soviet Union and declaring war on the United States. These decisions stretched their
resources and fronts, ultimately weakening their positions.
6. Resistance Movements: Resistance movements in occupied territories, particularly in Europe,
contributed to the disruption of Axis operations and the gathering of intelligence.
7. Holocaust and Atrocities: The discovery of the extent of the Holocaust and other atrocities
committed by the Axis powers rallied global support against them and solidified the moral
justification for the war.
8. Diplomacy and Conferences: Diplomatic efforts and conferences, such as the Yalta and Potsdam
conferences, played a role in shaping the post-war order and determining the fate of defeated
nations.
Ultimately, the resolution of World War II was a complex interplay of military, political, economic, and
social factors. The war ended in 1945 with the unconditional surrender of Germany and Japan, marking
the beginning of a new era in global geopolitics.

Egypt

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Enemies: Germany, Italy, Japan (axis power)

Allies: UK, US, France, Soviet Union, Britain

The Suez Canal

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