- Suez crisis
- (1956)A conflict over control of the Suez Canal in which an alliance of France, Israel and the United Kingdom was pitted against Egypt. In 1956, Egyptian President Colonel Nasser nationalised the Suez Canal Company which operated the canal. The British and French governments feared that he might close the canal and cut off petroleum shipments which were vital to its economic and trading interests in the region. In concert with Israel, they secretly prepared military action to regain control of the canal and if possible depose Nasser as well. British forces were sent to Port Said but the armed action quickly ended when it became apparent that the United States (US) would not back the Eden Government. There was in addition considerable anxiety among Commonwealth countries.The enforced withdrawal of forces marks an important stage in postwar British history, for the failure of the action to achieve its goals exposed the limitations of Britain as a Great Power. It encouraged some politicians to turn away from reliance on the special relationship with the US and – over a period of time – to contemplate joining with those European countries who were actively engaged in a drive towards economic and political cooperation. Suez was a bitterly divisive issue in Britain, some people strongly opposing the initial intervention, others lamenting the humiliating withdrawal. It seriously damaged the reputation of Prime Minister Eden who resigned soon afterwards.
Glossary of UK Government and Politics . 2013.