In 1922, the United Kingdom made a significant decision to unilaterally declare Egypt's independence, formally ending its protectorate status established in 1882 during the Anglo-Egyptian War. The move was largely driven by the rising tide of Egyptian nationalism, which had intensified over the preceding years. Nationalist leaders, including Saad Zaghlul and the Wafd Party, had been advocating vigorously for independence, leading to a series of protests and demands for self-governance, especially after World War I. The British government was faced with increasing diplomatic pressure, both domestically and internationally, to address these demands or risk further unrest.

The declaration came after a period of negotiations and rising tensions, exemplified by the 1919 Egyptian Revolution, which saw widespread demonstrations against British rule. In this context, British officials decided to announce Egypt’s independence while maintaining control over certain areas such as foreign relations and military presence. The declared independence was accompanied by a retrospective acknowledgment of the need to reform British-Egyptian relations, promising that Egypt would be recognized as a sovereign state under a new constitution. However, this independence was not entirely celebrated, as it was perceived by many Egyptians as incomplete and infused with British oversight.

The impact of this decision was immense, creating a complex legacy in Egyptian politics. While it marked a formal end to colonial rule, the subsequent years saw continued British influence in Egypt. The dual role of Egypt as a nominally independent state with significant British control set the stage for ongoing tensions and movements towards independence in the region, ultimately leading to further struggles for true sovereignty in the years to come, culminating in the 1952 revolution.