1.17 Foreign Policy: Suez Crisis Flashcards
Why was the Suez Canal crucial to Britain and Egypt?
The canal was a vital trading route between the Middle East and the Mediterranean, generating significant income for Egypt and benefiting Britain’s trade.
What was Egypt’s status in relation to Britain in the 1950s?
Egypt wasn’t part of Britain’s formal empire but was a significant possession due to its strategic location and trading interests.
What was Anthony Eden’s view of Nasser and the Middle East?
Eden disliked Nasser’s opposition to the Baghdad Pact and saw him as a threat comparable to Hitler or Mussolini, aiming to restore British prestige in the Middle East.
How did the rise of Arab nationalism impact relations with Britain?
The surge in Egyptian nationalism led to increased anti-British sentiment, especially after Egypt’s defeat in the Arab-Israeli War, pushing tensions further.
What were Nasser’s actions that affected relations with the West?
Nasser’s alignment with the USSR and refusal to break ties with the communist world, plus his nationalization of the Suez Canal, strained relations with the West, particularly the USA.
How did Nasser’s involvement with the USSR affect Britain’s actions?
Eden was concerned about Nasser’s ties with the Soviet bloc, urging the USA to undermine Nasser’s position, which was met with limited support.
What was the impact of the Suez Canal’s nationalization on the Cold War?
Nasser’s control of the Suez Canal, a crucial trade route, became a point of tension, as it linked the non-communist world and concerned the USA regarding Israel’s security.
How did the British government respond to the Suez crisis initially?
The government aimed to punish Egypt, forming a committee and focusing on military action to bring down the Egyptian government.
What was the Labour Party’s early stance on the crisis?
Initially, most Labour members supported military action but became increasingly critical as the crisis progressed.
How did the Conservative Party’s stance evolve from July to September?
While maintaining public unity, by September, some Conservatives urged caution and a diplomatic solution. About 30 MPs criticized the invasion.
What was the change in Labour’s position by September 1956?
Labour’s enthusiasm for military action decreased by September, with Gaitskell emerging as a fierce critic of the government’s actions.
What was the public response in November 1956 to military action against Egypt?
There was initial patriotic support and anti-American sentiment, but condemnation grew due to the violation of the UN Charter.
How did the international community react to the Anglo-French action in November?
The UN denounced Britain as an aggressor, worldwide opposition surfaced, and the Commonwealth didn’t support it, with India siding with Egypt.
What forced Britain to declare a ceasefire in November 1956?
Financial pressure from the US led Britain to declare a ceasefire, resulting in a strain in Anglo-American relations.
What happened to the Suez Canal after the crisis?
The canal was fully blockaded by sunken ships by Egypt, remaining closed until April 1967, halting all navigation.
