How did the Muslim Brotherhood build support in Egypt during the 1930s?
During the 1930s, the Muslim Brotherhood built widespread support in Egypt by positioning itself as a provider of essential social services that the government had failed to deliver. Founded by Hassan al-Banna in 1928, the organization initially focused on religious and educational programs, which allowed it to establish grassroots networks throughout the country.123
By addressing the needs of populations neglected by the state, the movement attracted a diverse membership, including students, civil servants, and urban laborers. As the organization grew, it began to transition from a social movement toward political activism. In the late 1930s, it increasingly politicized its outlook, positioning itself as an opponent of the ruling Wafd Party and a critic of British influence in Egypt. This shift allowed the Brotherhood to capitalize on growing public disillusionment with the government, eventually becoming a potent political force by the start of World War II.321