by P P

Created on: August 07, 2009   Last Updated: September 17, 2009

The Suez Canal Crisis, was a long crisis involving the occupation of Egypt by England it is a classic example of a Cold War crisis. It involved an indirect battle between the USSR and England. This crisis is a great example of the choice whether to save face or do what was right.

Causes of the Suez Canal Crisis/War

The Suez Canal was nationalized by Nassar in 1956. What were the causes?

Britain ruled Egypt for all of the 20th century. This gave Britain joint control over the Suez Canal. France also had joint control over the Suez Canal. This shortened the journey between Europe and Asia. Egyptians didn't like that Britain and France in their land because it made them feel like second class citizens. The Middle East was a key area during the Cold War and Britain had 80K troop stationed at the Suez Canal, making it the largest military base in the world. Egyptians needed permission from the British to use the canal and resistance grew toward Britain. Nasser wanted to get the British out of Egypt and at the same time overthrow the government. In 1952 the Egyptian were attacking British soldiers. 30 were killed and 60 wounded. The police were telling the Egyptians whereabouts of the soldiers. Operation Eagle took place to attack of the Egyptian police. It only took one event to spark a rebellion, this took place in Ismailia. The British Third Infantry Brigade went to a police Headquarters and asked them to surrender. The police discussed the proposal and refused. They were prepared to fight. The British brought in tanks and other armored vehicles and attacked, they took over the headquarters. 50 Egyptian police were killed and many wounded. 800 men were arrested and taken into custody. A man took photos and published them, this inflamed the situation. Many Egyptians were angered by the event in Isiamalia, the police were armed weakly with WWII rifles while the British used tanks. The next day was Black Saturday and there were riots throughout Egypt. The Union flag and foreign shops were destroyed. The Shepard hotel in Cairo was attacked and a club was attacked. Anthony Eden wanted 40K troops moved to Egypt in 24 hours to restore order. He was told it was not logical but didn't understand. It was left up to army chiefs to decide. They were told they were leaving British soldiers unprotected. At this point Kasser overthrew the king, who left peacefully. He then set up the Revolutionary Command Council. Meanwhile, Britain was having financial troubles. The

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• Next Page >>