Title: The Middle East: 1956-78 Learning Objective: To understand the aims of President Nasser, the Suez Crisis and its international consequences

The Suez Crisis This was an offensive war fought by France, the United Kingdom and Israel against Egypt which began on 29 October 1956 Aims: To regain Western control of the canal and precipitate the fall of Nasser from power.

Britain, France and Suez: background Key Points: Suez Canal had been opened in 1869 and run by British and French businessmen In 1882 the British Army occupied Egypt in order to protect the Suez Canal. They remained in Egypt and the British government installed a Consul-General to rule the country. On the outbreak of the WW2 the British had 36,000 troops guarding the canal and the Arabian oil fields.

Why was the Suez Canal important? British and French: To maintain access to their oil supplies in the Middle East and the canal route to India and the Far East

Nasser’s Aims To industrialise Egypt To “liberate” Palestine from the Jews OR to ”expel” the Jews from Palestine and create an Arab homeland. To promote Arab independence

Nationalization This is when a government places an private industry under the control of the state.

What Nasser did to achieve his aims: ISRAEL: He began buying fighter aircraft, bombers and tanks from the Soviet Union which he could use to attack Israel. He also blocked the port of Eilat and Gulf of Aqaba Industrialization: He began the building of the Aswan Dam to provide water and hydro electricity for the people. Got a loan from the USA to do this. Arab independence: Reminded the British government that the agreement allowing to keep soldiers at Suez expired in 1956.

Background: COLD WAR (USA versus USSR) USA (Eisenhower) concerned about the close relationship between Egypt and USSR Cancelled loan for building Aswan Dam. Nasser reacted by nationalising the Suez Canal

Map shows importance of Suez Canal route to Middle East and Asia for Britain and France

How did the British, French and Israelis react? British and French agreed on military action to regain the Suez Canal French agreed to send Israelis weapons to attack Egypt Secret meeting at Sevres – France, Britain, Israel (1956) Israel launched attack on Egypt – captured Sinai peninsula France and Britain seized the Suez Canal USA criticised Israel, Britain and France UN called for ceasefire their withdrawal –they withdraw UN troops police Egyptian frontier Nasser blocked the Suez Canal. He also used his new status to urge Arab nations to reduce oil exports to Western Europe. Anthony Eden was forced to resign from office.

Consequences: Showed that Britain was no longer a world power- that the real power lay with the USA and USSR Showed that the Israeli army was strong