21 February 1884
Fall of Khartoum

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Since 1883, Britain has been embroiled in a war with Sudan. Because Egypt owns Sudan and the British occupy Egypt, Anglo-Egyptian forces work together in Sudan. They are under attack from Sudanese leader Mohammed Ahmad – known as the Mahdi – who is leading an uprising against the Egyptian and Western occupiers.

British forces are commanded by General Gordon, based in the Sudanese capital Khartoum. Gordon urgently requests military aid, but the government delays until the very end of 1883, when they finally authorise a relief force. Mahdist forces besiege Khartoum and capture it on 21 February 1884, killing Gordon. The relief force arrives two days later. The newspapers lead a furious protest in Britain.

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