Suez Canal Crisis Flashcards
What was the significance of the Wind of Change speech (1960)?
Criticism of Apartheid Regime and boost to African nationalists
Acknowledged black nationalist movements and the need for independence under majority rule
Who was determined to maintain British influence in the Middle East during the Suez Crisis?
Anthony Eden
Became PM in 1955 and viewed Nasser as a threat
What event led to Colonel Nasser’s rise in Egypt?
Military coup in 1952 that removed King Farouk
Nasser positioned himself as the leader of the Arab World
What did Britain agree to in 1954 regarding the Suez Canal?
Phased withdrawal of troops in exchange for rights to the canal
Included free access through the canal
What was Nasser’s vision for Egypt partially dependent on?
Construction of the Aswan High Dam
Funding was withdrawn by the USA and Britain due to Nasser’s ties with communist powers
What action did Nasser take in response to the withdrawal of funding for the Aswan High Dam?
Nationalised the Suez Canal Company
This was a significant step that escalated tensions
What was the secret plan agreed upon by Britain, France, and Israel in October 1956?
Israel would invade Egypt, allowing Britain and France to occupy the canal
This was justified under the pretext of ‘defending’ the canal
What was the outcome of the ceasefire agreement between Israelis and Egyptians?
Removed all pretext for the Anglo-French invasion
The invasion was met with unexpected international backlash
What was a significant consequence of the Suez Crisis for Britain?
Britain would never again act alone in international affairs without consulting the USA
Marked a shift in British foreign policy
Who was forced to resign as a result of the Suez Crisis?
Anthony Eden
His resignation was seen as a humiliation
What is considered a ‘watershed moment’ regarding the Suez Crisis?
It separated the years of British world power from those of declining global commitments
Nasser emerged as a leader of Arab nationalism
True or False: The results of the Suez Crisis had a significant impact on British politics.
False
Other than Eden’s resignation, there was little political impact
Fill in the blank: The Suez Crisis exposed underlying trends in the decline of _______.
British power
It highlighted the limitations of British influence
