Section 4: Winds of Change 1947 - 67 - The Suez Crisis Flashcards
When did the Suez crisis happen?
1956
What international power were GB fearful of in Middle East? and why?
Russia - had withdrawn from Palestine but still had 10,000 troops in Suez Canal zone
What areas did UK have control over?
Aden, Cyprus, Iraqi air bases (had withdrawn officially 1932)
Who had the UK tried to negotiate with in Egypt and Middle East? and for what purpose?
Arab League to resist the spread of communism from Russia (Soviet Union) - Arabs didn’t like GB presence
After 1947 ———> constant skirmishes around Suez, why?
UK presence, Russia presence in Palestine and Suez zone, Arab nationalists didn’t like GB
What happened in 1951?
King Farouk of Egypt proclaimed himself King of Sudan
What happened to King Farouk in 1952, a year after his proclomation?
Colonel Nasser overthrown by military coup
Who was the GB foreign secretary who oversaw all this
Anthony Eden
What did Eden agree with Egypt ruler - Nasser in 1953?
Steps towards independence for Sudan and GB agreed to withdraw troops from Suez over 20 months
What did this show in terms of international relations?
A Gb desire to maintain good relations, willing to compromise and showed Gb economic difficulties
What did Egypt promise to GB?
- free access to canal
- keep gb bases in good condition
- respected suez canal company - gb had 44% share
Did Uk use diplomacy over this peirod?
Yes
What agreement was signed in 1955? between UK, Pakistan, Iraq, Persia
Baghdad Pact - GB wanted to repel soviet threat - united middle east and gb against communism insurgency
Did Colonel Nasser reject the Baghdad Pact?
yes - instead signed alliance with Syria and Chezh for more arms - made Eden alarmed
Events of 1956 in Egypt?
- Nasser into egyptian president
- wanted egypt as number one
- developed aswan dam for irrigation, flood cofntrol
- usa withdrew funding - nasser with communist associations
When is the Suez Canal Company nationalised?
July 1956
Why was this a blow to UK Govt
had 44% share, attacked middle east position, gb prepared for military action
Who else was outraged over nationalisation of suez?
France, Isreal invited gb for joint assault on egypt
What did Eden think was only option?
Removal of Nasser
What was the Protocol of Sevres?
1956 - isreal would attack egypt, gb and france demand end to fighting and withdraw troops from canal, would justify invasion of canal to protect from isrealis
What was the USAs reaction?
angry, gb had not informed them, condemned attack and stopped supporting the sterling currency - huge blow to gb international position, status, lost alliance
What were the consequences of Suez crisis?
empires days were numbered, would never act alone without usa, challenged credibility of empire, the idea that managed decolonisation could be done in ways to maintain good relations was destroyed
