The Egyptian Revolution began on January 25, 2011, when demonstrations arose throughout Egypt, including tens of thousands protesters gathering in the country’s capital, Cairo. Inspired by the successful revolution in Tunisia that ended with the resignation of President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali in January 2011, Egyptian demonstrators demanded that Mubarak step down.

Protesters initiated demonstrations, civil resistances and marches demanding political reform in the country through the the end of Mubarak’s 30-year regime. The protests started around Tahrir Square in Cairo and Suez, but quickly spread to other Egyptian cities such as Abu Simbel, Alexandria, Asyut, Atfih, Beni Suef, El-Arish, Kharga Oasis, Luxor, Mansoura, Rafah and Sheikh Zoweid.

Deaths and other casualties occurred from the outset. Three victims, including one police officer and two protesters, were killed during the demonstrations in Cairo and Suez on the Day of Revolt. Security forces in Suez reportedly used rubber-coated bullets, water cannons and tear gas against protesters. On the third day of the uprising, the government of Egypt shut down the Internet in most parts of the country in response to calls for mass demonstrations published via social networks like Facebook and Twitter. On the same day, Egyptian reform campaigner and opposition leader Mohamed El-Baradei arrived in Cairo to join the demonstrations. It was reported that more than 1,000 protesters were detained while security officers increased their use of force, resulting in an additional death toll of five that day. Military presence was increased in Cairo and the Ministry of Interior announced that it would tolerate no additional protests.

The “Friday of Anger” protests began on January 28, 2011, when numerous protesters demonstrated in the streets of several Egyptian cities after their Friday prayers. The military was deployed to take the place of police officers in order to bring the demonstrations under control. After Mubarak’s first public statement that he would ensure a new government was formed, violent clashes between anti-government protesters and Mubarak’s supporters broke out in Tahrir Square, resulting in several injuries and deaths.

On February 1, 2011, Mubarak announced that he would not seek another term but would remain in office to ensure a peaceful transition of power. The announcement caused outrage among protesters, resulting in a major clash between Mubarak’s supporters and revolutionaries in Tahrir Square. Despite the increased violence of demonstrations, Mubarak told national news agencies that he did not intend to resign. More than a week later, the country’s vice president, Omar Suleiman, announced that Mubarak had approved the formation of a committee charged with overseeing changes to the country’s constitution.

On February 10, 2011, Mubarak made another statement, declaring that he would transfer some of his power to Suleiman rather than completely stepping down from office. The statement only intensified demonstrations throughout the nation. One day later, Suleiman announced that Mubarak would resign and that the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) would take over executive responsibility for the country. Before Mubarak’s resignation, SCAF pledged that it would lift the emergency laws as soon as circumstances in the country improved.