Egypt's Monarchy Toppled: Free Officers Seize Power
The Free Officers Movement, led by General Muhammad Naguib and Colonel Gamal Abdel Nasser, seized control of Egypt on July 23, 1952, overthrowing King Farouk in a nearly bloodless coup. Farouk, known for his extravagant lifestyle while most Egyptians lived in poverty, abdicated within three days and sailed into exile aboard his royal yacht. The officers initially installed Naguib as president, but Nasser outmaneuvered him within two years and took power himself. Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal in 1956, triggering a crisis that humiliated Britain and France while establishing Egypt as the leader of the Arab world. The revolution ended 150 years of the Muhammad Ali dynasty and British influence in Egypt.
July 23, 1952
74 years ago
Key Figures & Places
Muhammad Naguib
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Free Officers Movement
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Gamal Abdel Nasser
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Farouk of Egypt
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Free Officers Movement
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Mohamed Naguib
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Free Officers movement (Egypt)
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Gamal Abdel Nasser
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Egyptian revolution of 1952
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Farouk of Egypt
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Fuad II of Egypt
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Kingdom of Egypt
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Muhammad Ali dynasty
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