The leader of Egypt during its independence in the 1950s was Gamal Abdel Nasser. He became a prominent figure in the Arab world after leading the 1952 Revolution, which ended British occupation and established a republic. Nasser's leadership focused on modernization and social reforms, promoting nationalism and pan-Arabism. He played a crucial role in the Suez Crisis of 1956, standing firm against Western powers and asserting Egypt's sovereignty. His policies aimed to improve education, industry, and agriculture, significantly impacting Egypt's political landscape and inspiring other countries in the region.