On 1798, french troops landed in Egypt and they manages to defeat the Mamluks at the battle of pyramids or at the battle of Embabeh French wanted to control Egypt so it would threaten the British commercial interests in the region also to block Britain’s route to India. British realizes that their Indian empire was at threat. They responded by sending their Royal Navy fleet to sink the French fleet. In the Battle of Aboukir Bay, the French was defeated by the British. Strategic Importance of Egypt ➢ India was an important part of the British empire. Thus, British wanted to have the fastest route to reach India and to return back to transport the goods. ➢The Suez Canal on, shortens the distance for travelling to India which reduce the distance. ➢British started to invest in Egypt for the cotton plantation. ➢The nile river also would played an important role in opening new trade routes. 1st Military Occ