Cotton constitutes ninety percent of Egypt's exports by 1914.

To the British, who control Egypt's financial and economic life, ensuring Egypt's prosperity and its ability to service its debt means expanding Egypt's reliance on cotton production.

Some British officials have more personal reasons for their interest in the production and export of cotton. Some are landowners; some are involved in the marketing of the crop; and some, like Lord Cromer, have made huge fortunes from cotton speculation.