Relations with indigenous people 1857-1914 Flashcards
Why was Britain fearful about development in Egypt by 1947
Britain fearful about communist Russia’s ambitions in Middle East (important sphere of influence) despite withdrawals from Palestine, Britain still had 10000 troops in Suez zone + control over Aden, Cyprus + air-force bases in Iraq
How did Britain give illusion of strong presence in Egypt but faced Arab difficulties
Britain financed/provided officers for Jordanian Army giving illusion of strong presence - however when British tried to negotiate with Arab League to resist communist infiltration Arabs weren’t prepared to support Britain (maintained Suez garrisons + controlled Sudan)
How did Nasser come into power in Egypt
King Farouk proclaimed himself king of Sudan 1951 - overthrown Jan in military coup led by Colonel Nasser
How did Eden react to Nasser coming into power
Eden immediately sought to negotiate with Egypt’s rulers + 1953 agreement for stages towards Sudanese independence
1954 British agreed phased withdrawal of troops from Suez over 30 months - concession reflected Britain’s desire to improve Anglo-Arab relations + financial difficulties (couldn’t afford to maintain their bases against guerrilla attacks)
In return Egyptians promised British free access through Suez + maintenance of British bases to respect independence of Suez Company
Baghdad Pact
Between Turkey, Pakistan, Iraq, Britain + Persia 1955 to repel any Soviet threat to Middle East - constructive period in British diplomacy
However Nasser refused to sign this + when British tried to bring Jordan into pact, Nasser turned to Communist Czechoslovakia for arms + signed alliance with Syria - Eden alarmed
How did Nasser change Egypt
June 1956 Nasser made himself president of Egypt - plans centred on construction of Aswan High Dam - obtained finance aid from West + Russia 1955 but 1956 June USA (followed by Britain + world bank) announced they were withdrawing funding because of association with communist powers
When did Nasser nationalise the Suez Canal Company
16th July 1956 Nasser announced nationalisation of Suez Company - direct blow to British govt which held 44% shares + indirect attack on positions of British in Middle East
How did British react to nationalisation of Suez initially
Tries to use diplomatic pressure to persuade Nasser to reverse decision while preparing for military action in case of failure
What was the French British Israeli alliance in response to Nasser
French outraged + invited Britain to joint assault on Egypt in alliance with Israel
Secret Anglo-French military discussions Oct when Eden believed that the removal of Nasser was only way to secure interests in Middle East
What was the secret Anglo-French-Israeli plot
Israel would attack Egypt 29th Oct + next day France + Britain would demand that both sides cease fighting + withdraw troops from canal - followed by French-British invasion of Canal 31st Oct to ‘defend it’
Why did Anglo-French Israeli plot fail
Anglo-French force knocked out Egyptian air force, landed N of Canal but Egyptians put up solid resistance + blocked canal with sunken ships
Why was the USA so outraged by Suez crisis affair
Britain miscalculated international US reaction - they embarked on military operation without informing US + USA immediately condemned attack + refused to support sterling in currency crisis
How did the Suez crisis end
Britain was isolated even with Commonwealth + announced ceasefire within 5 days + Britain + France began to withdraw troops within weeks
Eden forced to resign + UN moved in to clear blocked canal/restore peace
How did Suez crisis ruined British notion of superiority + consequences
Post Suez growing realisation across political stage that empire days were over
Suggested to nationalist movements seeking to achieve independence that if they pushed hard enough Britain could surrender
Called into question whole credibility of plans to hold onto colonies - encouraged British to conceed to nationalist demands whilst still retaining some influence
Dispelled notion that British could ‘manage’ retreat from empire
British govt would never again act alone in international affairs without approval of US - illusion of Britain as imperial power dispelled
How did international relations/cold war pressures change British imperial policy
1947-67 imperial policy moulded by changed international scene - USA + USSR emerged from WW2 as superpowers + dictated international development
