What was the Suez Crisis of 1956?
1 Answer
It was a crisis resulting from international realpolitik.
Explanation:
There are a number of factors to consider.
Firstly the perceived reason for the crisis was Egyptian President Nasser's decision to nationalise the Suez Canal from British and French control. The British and French had built the canal in the late 19th century.
This represented the division between European powers who still saw the world in pre -war Imperial terms and the new generation of 3rd World post colonial leaders who rejected such misconceptions.
As a consequence of this nationalisation Britain, France and Israel drew up a secret agreement. An Israeli attack on Sinai would be used as a pretext by Britain and France to attack and re-occupy the Suez Canal.
The consequences for Britain and France were dire. The USA was furious and refused to support a run on the pound unless Britain and France withdrew. This is what subsequently happened.
Suez reflected the reality of post war politics. European imperial powers were no longer in control. That had passed to the new superpowers the USA and Soviet Union.
Suez ended the British PM Anthony Eden's career. He had compared Nasser in his own mind to Hitler. Given the failure of appeasement, this led him rashly to the pre determined plan which was so disastrous.
