Historical Events tagged with "egypt"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Accidents & Tragedies

TWA Flight 903 crashes in Egypt

August 31st, 1950 74 years ago

TWA Flight 903, a Lockheed Constellation, crashed near Itay El Barud, Egypt, resulting in the death of all 55 people on board. The flight was en route from Cairo to New York City, and it lost contact with air traffic control shortly after takeoff. Witnesses reported seeing an explosion in the air before the aircraft fell to the ground.

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Politics & Government

Suez Canal Closed to Israeli Ships

May 19th, 1950 74 years ago

In a significant move, Egypt announced the closure of the Suez Canal to all Israeli ships and commerce. This action was part of a broader strategy to assert regional political influence and respond to growing tensions between Israel and Arab nations. The closure affected maritime trade routes and highlighted the ongoing conflict dynamics in the Middle East. Egypt's decision created substantial economic implications for Israel and provoked reactions from various international stakeholders.

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Military & Warfare

Egyptian Forces Capture Kibbutz Yad Mordechai

May 24th, 1948 76 years ago

Egyptian forces launched an attack on Yad Mordechai, capturing the Israeli kibbutz during the initial stages of the Arab-Israeli conflict. This five-day effort allowed Israeli forces enough time to regroup and fortify their defenses against further Egyptian advances in the region. Despite the loss, the Israeli military benefited from the strategic delay, enabling a stronger resistance a week later.

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Military & Warfare

Invasion by Arab nations post-British Mandate

May 15th, 1948 76 years ago

Following the expiration of the British Mandate for Palestine, several Arab nations including Egypt, Transjordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia invaded the newly declared State of Israel. This military action initiated a conflict that would become known as the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. The invasion followed the declaration of the state of Israel, which was met with mixed reactions and significant resistance from neighboring Arab countries. These nations sought to assert their claims over the territory and oppose the formation of what they viewed as an illegitimate state.

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Politics & Government

Ahmad Mahir Pasha Assassinated in Parliament

February 24th, 1945 80 years ago

Ahmad Mahir Pasha, the Premier of Egypt, was assassinated during a parliamentary session by a member of the Wafd Party. After reading a decree, he was shot, leading to his immediate death. The shooter was motivated by political discontent and opposition to Mahir's policies, particularly his relationship with Britain amid the larger context of World War II.

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Politics & Government

Georgios Papandreou Leads Greek Government-in-Exile

April 26th, 1944 80 years ago

Georgios Papandreou was appointed as the head of the Greek government-in-exile based in Egypt. This change occurred during World War II, as Greece sought to maintain a government representing its interests while occupied by Axis forces. Papandreou's leadership was crucial in rallying support for Greece from the Allies and coordinating efforts to restore Greek sovereignty post-war. His government, composed of various political factions, aimed to address national concerns and maintain the spirit of resistance against occupation.

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Military & Warfare

Rommel's Retreat After El Alamein Defeat

November 4th, 1942 82 years ago

After a significant defeat in the Second Battle of El Alamein, General Field Marshal Erwin Rommel decided to disobey a direct order from Adolf Hitler and began the retreat of his forces. The retreat, necessitated by heavy losses in the battle, marked a crucial turning point in the North African Campaign. Facing overwhelming Allied forces, Rommel's decision was seen as both strategic and defiant. Over the next five months, his troops would navigate challenging terrains, attempting to regroup and conserve their strength in the face of advancing Allied forces.

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Military & Warfare

Second Battle of El Alamein Begins

October 23rd, 1942 82 years ago

The Second Battle of El Alamein commenced as Allied forces led by General Bernard Montgomery launched a decisive counter-offensive against Axis troops commanded by Field Marshal Erwin Rommel. Taking place in North Africa, this battle aimed to halt the Axis advance and secure a strategic victory for the Allies. The engagement was characterized by intense warfare in the desert and marked a shift in momentum from Axis to Allied control, bolstering Allied morale and operational capacity in the region.

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Military & Warfare

The Battle of Alam el Halfa Commences

August 30th, 1942 82 years ago

The Battle of Alam el Halfa marked a significant confrontation in the Western Desert Campaign during World War II. It began when British Eighth Army forces, under the command of General Bernard Montgomery, faced off against the Afrika Korps led by Field Marshal Erwin Rommel. Taking place in northeastern Egypt, the battle highlighted the strategic importance of the Suez Canal and the surrounding regions, as control of these areas was vital for both the Axis and Allied powers in the North African theater. The stiff resistance from British forces marked a turning point in the desert campaign.

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