What event in 1956 threatened the flow of Middle Eastern oil to Europe?
1 Answer
The Suez Crisis.
Explanation:
The Suez canal which ha been built and controlled by the British and French was nationalised by the Egyptian leader President Nasser.
The British and French were furious. They also perceived Nasser as a threat. The British PM Anthony Eden drew comparisons between Nasser and Hitler and felt that the mistake of the policy of appeasement to the latter should not be repeated.
The problem was they were still living in a pre-war imperialist culture, in this case sustaining the British and French empires. What they failed to realise was the extent of change which had taken place. In particular it was the Soviet Union and even more so the USA which now called the shots.
The British, French and Israelis drew up a secret agreement whereby the Israelis would attack Egypt across SInai. The British and French would use this as an excuse to invade and retake control of the canal.
The plan was carried out but proved to be a disaster. It was widely condemned both domestically and internationally. It finished Eden's career.
The USA was furious and Eisenhower forced a humiliating withdrawal by not supporting a run on the pound. Suez reflected the changes which had taken place after 1945 and even more so the failure of imperialist European powers to appreciate these changes.
