Suez Crisis 1956

Question 1

What was the cause of the crisis

Answer 1

-Suez Canal connected trade routes from Mediterranean to Indian Ocean + beyond Asia, Aus + NZ
-also vital route for oil shipments -> 80% Western Europe oil imports passed through canal
-emergence Egyptian independence under new nationalist leader colonel Nasser worried Br strategic interests
-nasser announced nationalisation of Suez Canal company to finance Aswan Dam after Br + US pulled out 1956

Question 2

What did Nassers actions result in

Answer 2

-placed Egypt on soviet side of Cold War
-Br PM Eden considered expert on foreign policy but his understanding of situation influence by belief Br imperial power + experience opposing appeasement 1930s
-Eden saw nasser as evil dictator who couldn’t be allowed get away with unprovoked aggression
-most Eden cabinet incl chancellor Mac agreed with him

Question 3

What did Eden do in response

Answer 3

-encouraged by Fr + Isreal a top secret meeting held at Paris agreed plan action
-Israeli forces invade Egypt, Br + Fr forces then intervene
-excuse for intervention to enforce peace on Egypt + Isreal but real effect to seiz control of Suez Canal
-details of plan concealed from US

Question 4

What was the outcome

Answer 4

-military action not smoothly
-caused storm political protest in Br + lab party opposed conflict
-public opinion split on need for intervention
-US opposed action + Br not strong enough in 1956 to stand up to them
-Mac first realise essential pull out despite failure + humiliation

Question 5

What happened to Eden

Answer 5

-reputation fatally damaged
-Br world position go through reassessment - highlighted inability Br act without support of US
-brought into question whether Br still imperial power