The direct interference of Europeans in Egypt's…

The direct interference of Europeans in Egypt's affairs and the deposition of Khedive Ismail forges a nationalist movement composed of Egyptian landowners and merchants, especially former members of the assembly, Egyptian army officers, and the intelligentsia, including the ulama and Muslim reformers.

A secret society of Egyptian army officers had also come into existence in 1876, comparable to the secret society of Egyptian notables.

The army society includes Colonel Ahmad Urabi, who will become the leader of the nationalist movement, and colonels Ali Fahmi and Abd al Al Hilmi.

In 1881 a link, if not a merger, is formed between the Urabists and the National Society.

This expanded group takes the name Al Hizb al Watani al Ahli, the National Popular Party.