I. Protests in Egypt forced President Mubarak out of office.
A. Protests started on January 25
1. Tens of thousands of people
2. Met in Tahrir (Liberation) Square
3. They wanted Mubarak to resign.
4. It’s called the “Nile Revolution.”
5. Mostly peaceful, sometimes violent.
6. Some people used Facebook to inspire and organize protests.
B. The protest peaked on February 1
1. Millions of people attended the protest that day.
2. Mubarak made some concessions, but did not want to resign.
a) He fired his advisors.
b) Appointed a vice president.
c) Said he wouldn’t run again for president in September, but would stay in office until then.
3. The protesters demanded he had to leave immediately.
C. Mubarak refused to resign again on February 10.
1. The protesters expected his resignation this day.
2. Renewed outrage.
3. Continued protest.
D. Mubarak resigned on February 11
1. After a 30 year rule.
2. Joy from the people.
II. Growing Anger
A. Mubarak had a predecessor named Anwar el-Sadat
1. Was assassinated 1981
B. Mubarak was Vice-President
1. Became President (not voted to be President)
C. Reasons for Revolt
1. Lack of political freedom
a) Created a National State of Emergency upon Assuming power
b) People did not like it
(1) Anger wasn’t suddenly created, it built up over 30 year rule
c) Enforced one-party rule
d) Prevented other groups from coming to power
(1) Radical groups
(2) Muslim Brotherhood
(3) Mubarak and US feared them spreading violence
2. Bad economy
a) High Unemployment
b) 87% of nation’s jobless are between 15-29
III. A New Era?
A. Not only upset about lack of freedom
1. Upset about unemployment
2. Upset about the fact that a small group of privileged people controlled the government.
B. No one knows who will control Egypt now
1. If the Muslim Brotherhood gains control, it could be dangerous for Middle East peace.
2. If Egypt becomes a modern democracy, it will be good for U.S. and Middle East peace.
C. To become a modern democracy,
1. Egypt must realize improving conditions will take time
2. Government must tell its people to be patient
The “Big Idea”:
Egyptians held protests and forced President Mubarak out of office. The main reasons people were angry with him were because of a lack of political freedom, that the government was ruled by an elite group, and because of high unemployment and a bad economy.
I. Nicole is a teacher
A. She wears a red sweatshirt
B. Her ankle hurts
1. Because she twisted it
2. A long time ago
a) While she was walking out the front door
C. She is nice
D. She is strict