(6) The Suez Cannal Crises 1956

Why was the Suez Canal so important?
1. “It was the ultimate liquid motorway, a vital artery of world trade connecting Europe through the Mediterranean, with India, Australia, New Zealand and the Far East.” (Marr)
2. ¼ of all British exports and imports came through it
3. ¾ of Europe’s oil came from the region, ½ through the canal
4. 1/6 of the world’s cargo went through it – 50 ships per day
5. It was run by an international company, 44% of which was owned by the British government
Why did Nasser seize the Suez Canal
1. Nasser wanted to build the Aswan Dam which would provide 8 times as much electricity as the Egyptians had and increase Egypt’s fertile land by one-third
2. Needed and expected loans from GB and USA
3. Argument with Ambassador led to JF Dulles cancelling America’s loans which left Nasser furious
4. Seized canal to charge countries to use it
What was Britain’s response to this
1. Initially diplomacy, whilst threatening war
2. Secret negotiations took place for all three countries to invade (illegal)
  1. Then the idea came about for Israel to attack Egypt from one flank. France and Britain would be a peace keeping force and demand Israel and Egypt to withdraw 5 miles form the canal
3. 5 Nov 1956: British and French paratroopers began dropping from the air above Port Said. 32 British and French died; 2000 Egyptians died
4. Britain destroyed Egyptian air force; 13,500 British tropps and 8,500 French troops landed at Port Said and began going South towards the Canal – BUT under pressure from US, Britain agreed a ceasefire and pulled out
5. Marr: “Britain was left chastened and stripped of authority.”
Why did the USA refuse to get involved
1. USA’s policy was to try to get old colonial powers out of the Middle East in favour of US interests (i.e. 2/3 of known oil reserves in region). Special deals had been made between Saudis and Iranians
2. Loud and pious anti-colonialism” from JF Dulles (Marr)
3. Personal animosity between Dulles and Eden
4. Hungarian uprising and liberal ideals of government: the USA couldn’t condemn the USSR if it was invading another country
5. USA controlled Panama Canal – it did not want international agreements emerging that would affect their ownership of the Panama Canal
6. 1956: Eisenhower was trying to get elected on a peace and prosperity ticket
What were the results
1. “Suez became four letter shorthand for the moment when Britain realised her new place in the world.” (Marr). She was never able to take independent action again
2. USA increased their control in Middle East, Russia became more belligerent
3. Eden resigned in January to be replaced by Macmillan
4. Heightened tension in the middle east, Nasser stronger and colonial powers looked weak
5. There was no large swing to Labour as they were seen as unpatriotic because of their criticizing the military action
Out cry at the situation
1. The UN on the 2nd November the general assembly demanded a ceasefire on Anglo-french
2. At home in July the court and Labour appeared outraged by Nasser's action
3. Working class Labour voters were in support of giving Nasser a good hiding
4. Middle class were appalled at Eden policy

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(6) The Suez Cannal Crises 1956

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