Cairo in the War 1939-1945
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Author Description
For troops in the desert, Cairo meant fleshpots or brass hats. For well-connected officers, it meant polo at the Gezira Club and drinks at Shepheard's. For the irregular warriors, Cairo was a city to throw legendary parties before the next mission behind enemy lines. For countless refugees, it was a stopping place in the long struggle home. The political scene was dominated by the British Ambassador Sir Miles Lampson. In February 1942 he surrounded the Abdin Palace with tanks and attempted to depose King Farouk. Five months later it looked as if the British would be thrown out of Egypt for good. Rommel's forces were only sixty miles from Alexandria - but the Germans were pushed back and Cairo life went on. Meanwhile, in the Egyptian Army, a handful of young officers were thinking dangerous thoughts.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
Cairo served as a vital, multifaceted hub during World War II, impacting the lives of soldiers, officers, refugees, and political figures alike. The city was a stark contrast of wartime realities and social life, offering respite for troops, exclusive gatherings for the elite, and clandestine planning for irregular warriors. Amidst the looming threat of Rommel's advance and significant political upheaval, including the British Ambassador's forceful intervention with the Egyptian monarchy, Cairo pulsed with a unique blend of tension and resilience, while a new generation of Egyptian officers began to question the existing order.
THE SCOPE MAP
- Exploration of Cairo's role as a strategic center for Allied forces during World War II.
- Details on the social life and contrasting experiences of various groups within Cairo, from soldiers to diplomats.
- Analysis of the political climate, including the actions of British Ambassador Sir Miles Lampson and the relationship with King Farouk.
- Account of the military threat posed by Rommel's forces and the subsequent pushback.
- Examination of the burgeoning nationalist sentiments among young officers in the Egyptian Army.
- Portrayal of the city's atmosphere as a place of both danger and continued daily life amidst conflict.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Artemis Cooper's "Cairo in the War 1939-1945" is recognized for its detailed social history of the city during a pivotal period. The book is praised for bringing to life the diverse experiences of those who inhabited Cairo amidst the global conflict, from military personnel to the local population and refugees. It effectively captures the complex interplay of political intrigue, military tension, and everyday social dynamics that defined the wartime capital. The narrative highlights significant events and the underlying currents of change that shaped Egypt's future.
Page Count:
370
Publication Date:
1995-01-01
Publisher:
Penguin
ISBN-10:
0140247815
ISBN-13:
9780140247817
Biography
Non-Fiction
History
Social History
