This study explores the relationship between economic development and political evolution during a decisive period of modern Sudanese history. During the first half of the 20th century, Mahdists competed with nationalists in shaping politics and forcing independence from the British in 1956. The nationalists sought independence for reasons of country. The Mahdists sought independence for reasons of God. But economic development was important, too. It fueled the secular nationalist movement, and it influenced the Mahdist movement in diffuse but significant ways. Readers will find this study valuable for understanding how economics and politics interacted during an important period of Sudan's history and what that ongoing interaction portends for the future of Sudan.