DuckstersDucksters
History Biography Geography Science Games

US History

The Camp David Accords

History >> US History 1900 to Present

The Camp David Accords were historic peace agreements signed by the leaders of Egypt (President Anwar El Sadat) and Israel (Prime Minister Menachem Begin) on September 17, 1978. Secret talks to negotiate the agreements were held at Camp David in Maryland. United States President Jimmy Carter took part in the negotiations.

Anwar Sadat and Menachem Begin celebrating Accords
Sadat and Begin
Source: U.S. News and World Report
War Between Israel and Egypt

Before the Camp David Accords, Israel and Egypt had been at war for many years. In 1967, Israel fought Egypt, Syria, and Jordan in the Six-Day War. Israel won the war and gained control of the Gaza Strip and the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt.

Anwar Sadat Becomes the Egyptian President

In 1970, Anwar Sadat became president of Egypt. He wanted to regain control of the Sinai and end the war with Israel. In 1973, Egypt attacked Israel and tried to retake the Sinai Peninsula in the Yom Kippur War. Although Israel won the war, Sadat gained political prestige in the region for his daring attack.

Initial Peace Efforts

After the Yom Kipper War, Sadat began to try and form peace agreements with Israel. He hoped that by making peace with Israel, Egypt could regain the Sinai and the United States would provide aid to a struggling Egyptian economy. He began to work with both the United States and Israel on forming a peace agreement.

Meetings at Camp David

In 1978, President Jimmy Carter invited President Sadat from Egypt and Prime Minister Menachem Begin from Israel to come to the United States. They met in secret at the presidential retreat Camp David in Maryland. The negotiations were tense. They lasted for 13 days. President Carter played an important role keeping both sides talking throughout the negotiations.

The Camp David Accords

On September 17, 1978 the two sides came to an agreement and signed the accords. The accords established a framework for peace between the two countries and in the Middle East. They led to an official peace treaty between the two countries that returned the Sinai to Egypt, established diplomatic relations between Egypt and Israel, and opened the Suez Canal to Israeli ships.

Results

The Camp David Accords led to a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt after many years of war. Both Anwar Sadat and Menachem Begin were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1978. However, the rest of the Arab countries in the Middle East were not happy with Egypt. They kicked Egypt out of the Arab League and denounced any peace agreement with Israel. On October 6, 1981, Anwar Sadat was assassinated by Islamic extremists for his part in the peace agreements.

Interesting Facts About the Camp David Accords
Activities

Works Cited

History >> US History 1900 to Present


Ducksters Footer Gif with Ducks


About Ducksters Privacy Policy 

 

This site is a product of TSI (Technological Solutions, Inc.), Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use.