Suez, 1956 Flashcards
What was the Suez Canal?
The main artery connecting the trade routes from the Mediterranean throughout the Indian Ocean and beyond to Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
Describe its vitality.
Vital route for oil shipments: 80% of Western Europe’s oil imports passed through the canal.
Why was Colonel Nasser deeply worrying for Britain?
Nasser announced the nationalisation of the Suez Company to finance the Aswan Dam in response to Britain and USA pulling out of the investment - this seemed to place Egypt on the Soviet side of the Cold War.
How did Eden view Colonel Nasser?
‘An evil dictator who could not be allowed to get away with unprovoked aggression’.
Describe the plan between France Israel and Britain.
Israeli forces would invade Egypt; British and French forces would then intervene to enforce peace on Egypt and Israel (real effect would be to seize control of the Suez Canal zone).
What did this plan cause in Britain?
A storm of political protest in Britain - Labour party opposed the conflict, anti-war protests were held and public opinion was split on the need for intervention.
How did the USA respond? What did this result in?
They opposed the action and Britain was not strong enough to respond or stand up to US pressure in 1956.
Britain was plunged into a serious financial crisis.
Describe Eden’s and Britain’s reputation.
It was fatally damaged and Britain’s position in the world had to go through fundamental reassessment in a number of ways.
Sum up how the Suez crisis affected Britain.
- Brought into question Britain’s reputation as a force for good in the world.
- Highlighted the inability of Britain to act without, at least, the tactic support of the USA. Leading power??
- Made clear the impact that British economic policy had on the direction of foreign policy.
