Political Developments: Eden's Government and the Suez Crisis Flashcards
When did Eden become PM?
1955
What did Churchill think about Eden being PM?
He felt he was not up for the job
What was wrong with Eden prior to 1955?
He had a failed operation in 1953 and he was given drugs now very illegal to treat it
How did Eden appear in public?
He seemed calm and intelligent
How did Eden appear in private?
He had uncontrollable rages
What was a limitation of Eden’s relationships in the government?
He was not ‘part of the club’ and didn’t socialise with other Commons members
What did Eden have expertise in?
Foreign Affairs
Which foreign affair management cost him his career?
Suez Crisis
When did the Suez Crisis happen?
1956
When did the Suez Crisis begin? Why?
Nasser nationalised the Suez canal on 26th July 1956
What was significant about Suez to Britain?
It was the only way to keep in contact with far reaches of the Empire
What did Eden organise in response to the Suez crisis?
Israel invade Egypt and Britain and France ask for a ceasefire and then take over
Who else knew about Britain’s Suez plans?
Only the leaders of the country’s pretty much knew
What did America think about military action with Suez?
They strongly opposed it
Who said what about how the Americans would actually act if Britain did something with Suez?
Macmillan said they would be annoyed but not act on it
How did America end up reacting to what happened at Suez?
They were immensely against it
What was significant about opposition at the UN?
It was one of the only times America and the USSR agreed on something
How did America actively respond to Suez action? For how long?
They cut off giving money to Britain until they got out of Suez
Who sent warning notes to Britain due to Suez and when?
5th November, Bulgaria sent threatening notes
What was significant about potential American military presence at Suez?
The special relationship had collapsed
When did Eden accept a ceasefire at Suez?6th November
6th November
What did Eden do after Suez was over?
He fled to Jamaica
What was significant about how the Conservatives handled Suez?
It made lots of the public wonder how much longer they could stay in power
