1922 was not the end of controversy between the British and Egyptians over the Suez Canal. In 1956, the Suez Canal became the focus of a major world conflict. Normally, free passage was granted to all who used the canal, but Britain and France desired control of it, not only for commercial shipping, but also for military interests. The Egyptian government had just been taken over by Gamal Abdel Nasser, who felt the canal should be under Egyptian control.

Angry British and French politicians joined forces with Israel, a long time enemy of Egypt, in an attack against Nasser. The Israeli army marched toward the canal on October 29, 1956. Britain and France reinforced the Israelis, and the joint effort defeated the Egyptian army quickly. Within ten days, British and French forces had completely occupied the Suez region. Egypt responded by sinking 40 ships in the canal, blocking all passage. The United Nations sought to resolve the conflict and pressured the two European powers to back down. The rest of the world shunned Britain and France for their actions in the crisis, and soon the UN salvage team moved in to clear the canal. Britain and France backed down, and control of the canal was given back to Egypt in March 1957. The Egyptian government was allowed to maintain control of the canal as long as they permitted vessels of every nation free passage through it. The colonial tradition of Britain and France crumbled after the Suez Crisis.

Journal Activity

Think the Suez Crisis was the end of the conflict? Think again. Respond to the following question in your notes.

Put yourself in the place of an 18 year old U.S. or British soldier travelling through the canal today. The only way to move large numbers of troops to the Eastern Mediterranean (Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Iran) is through the Suez Canal. How would you feel going through the canal? Would you feel a little tense?

Look at the video labeled "Royal Navy Passage." Why are there armed snipers watching as the ships go through the canal? The Suez Canal is not all about trade and commerce and it never has been. Access, whether economic or military, is vital to the security of the area.