The Suez Canal: A Brief History

1. Suez Canal – brief history

The Suez Canal is a waterway that connects the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. It is one of the most significant artificial waterways in the world, as it allows ships to pass through without having to go around the African continent.

The canal was first built by the French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps in 1869. However, due to political and financial difficulties, the project was abandoned in 1875. It was not until 1882 that the British completed the canal, which led to an increased British presence in Egypt.

The nationalization of the Canal in 1956 by President Gamal Abdel Nasser led to a conflict with the British, French, and Israelis, who were against the move. This resulted in the Suez Crisis, which saw the British and French militaries intervene in Egypt.

The Six-Day War of 1967 between Israel and its Arab neighbours also saw fighting take place around the Suez Canal, with Israel ultimately occupying the Sinai Peninsula. The Yom Kippur War of 1973 saw Syria and Egypt attempt to retake the Sinai, but they were unsuccessful.

The October War of 1973 between Egypt and Israel saw Egyptian forces succeed in crossing the Suez Canal and entering into Israeli-occupied territory. However, a ceasefire was quickly put in place and both sides agreed to return to their previous positions.

Since then, the Suez Canal has remained an important waterway for international trade. In recent years, there have been plans to expand and modernize the canal so that it can accommodate larger ships. This would require a significant investment, but it is hoped that it would lead to an increase in trade and boost Egypt’s economy.

1. 2. 1869

The Suez Canal was first proposed by the French diplomat Ferdinand de Lesseps in 1854. He had been impressed by the success of the Panama Canal, which had been completed in 1855, and believed that a similar waterway could be built in Egypt.

De Lesseps obtained permission from the Egyptian government to begin work on the canal, and construction began in 1859. However, due to political instability in Egypt and financial difficulties, the project was abandoned in 1875.

2. The British conquest of Egypt in 1882

In 1882, Egypt was invaded by a British force led by General Garnet Wolseley. The British were concerned about the increasing influence of France in Egypt, as well as the possibility of a French attack on the British colony of Sudan.

After defeating the Egyptian army at the Battle of Tel el-Kebir, the British occupied Egypt and established a military government. They also took control of the Suez Canal, which was completed in 1869 but had been abandoned due to financial difficulties.

3. The beginning of the British era

Under British rule, Egypt became a de facto colony. The British installed their own ruler, known as the Khedive, and exerted control over the country’s finances and internal affairs. They also built a network of railways and irrigation canals, which led to an increase in trade and agricultural production.

However, the British presence in Egypt was opposed by many Egyptians who wanted independence for their country. This led to a series of uprisings, the most serious of which was the Urabi Revolt of 1882. This was put down by British forces, but it showed that there was significant support for independence among Egyptians.
In 1914, Egypt became officially a protectorate of Britain when Turkey entered World War I on the side of Germany. This allowed Britain to maintain control over Egypt while also protecting it from attack by Ottoman forces. After the war ended, there were calls for Egyptian independence, but these were rejected by the British government. This led to further discontent among Egyptians and increased support for independence movements.

4. The nationalization of the Canal

In July 1956, President Gamal Abdel Nasser announced the nationalization of the Suez Canal. This was seen as a bold move against the British and French, who still controlled large shares in the canal company. Nasser accused them of exploiting Egypt and vowed to use the canal’s revenues to modernize his country.
The nationalization of the canal led to a crisis known as the Suez Crisis. Britain and France demanded that Nasser reverse his decision, but he refused. In response, Britain and France hatched a plan with Israel to invade Egypt and retake control of the canal. However, this plan was thwarted when the United States pressured Britain and France to withdraw their troops. The crisis ended with Nasser emerging as a hero in the Arab world and further increasing his hold on power in Egypt.

5. The Six-Day War

In 1967, Israel launched a surprise attack on its Arab neighbours, resulting in what is known as the Six-Day War. Israel quickly defeated its opponents and occupied large swathes of territory, including the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt and the Golan Heights from Syria.

The war had a significant impact on the Suez Canal, which was closed to shipping for eight years. When it reopened in 1975, it was under Egyptian control once again.

6. The Yom Kippur War

In 1973, Syria and Egypt launched a surprise attack on Israel on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur. This caught Israel off-guard and led to a significant Syrian advance into Israeli-occupied territory.

However, Israel was able to regroup and launch a counter-attack, which pushed the Syrians back to their own territory. The war also saw fighting around the Suez Canal, but neither side was able to gain a significant advantage.

7. The October War

In October 1973, Egypt and Syria launched another attack on Israel, this time on the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur. The Egyptians were able to cross the Suez Canal and enter into Israeli territory, while the Syrians made significant advances in the Golan Heights.

However, a ceasefire was quickly put in place and both sides agreed to return to their previous positions. This led to a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, which was signed in 1979. As part of the treaty, Israel agreed to return the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt.

8. The future of the Canal

The Suez Canal remains an important waterway for international trade. In recent years, there have been plans to expand and modernize the canal so that it can accommodate larger ships. This would require a significant investment, but it is hoped that it would lead to an increase in trade and boost Egypt’s economy.

The canal is also an important source of revenue for Egypt, as ships using the canal have to pay a toll. This money is used to finance various development projects in Egypt, as well as to pay for the salaries of the canal workers.

9. The future of the Canal

The Suez Canal remains an important waterway for international trade. In recent years, there have been plans to expand and modernize the canal so that it can accommodate larger ships. This would require a significant investment, but it is hoped that it would lead to an increase in trade and boost Egypt’s economy.
The canal is also an important source of revenue for Egypt, as ships using the canal have to pay a toll. This money is used to finance various development projects in Egypt, as well as to pay for the salaries of the canal workers.

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