Free Essay

Suez Canal Strategy

In: Historical Events

Submitted By kris9999
Words 496
Pages 2
The major internal factor for the United States was the presidential election. This was the driving force for the development of the strategy with Egypt because President Eisenhower did not want the U.S. to enter a conflict that would affect his chances of re-election. So he tried to minimize his risk by utilizing diplomacy as an end state. So this shaped his strategy in terms of a more peaceful solution. The ways and means that shaped the end goal of a peaceful resolution contained little risk and the outcome was positive for his re-election, because he won.
On the other hand, the external factors that shaped the end state of a peaceful resolution with Egypt were broader. The risks became increasing more complex because the U.S. had to consider other external factors, such as other actors or players that entered the arena. One factor was, the U.S. maintaining relationships with its foreign allies, the UK and France. The riskier endeavor was to alienate the relationship with the Arab nations and with Egypt. The US and its allies needed access to the canal for the oil pipelines. The riskiest endeavor was to make sure that the Soviet Union would not gain any power momentum during the British, French and Israeli invasion of Egypt. The U.S. had to decide which relationship was the more important when analyzing the risks of war.
The U.S. strategized whether it could achieve the end state of peaceful negotiation by entering the conflict or avoiding it. Because it was an independent nation it wanted to free itself from any association with colonization and communism. So the example that the U.S. wanted to set for Egypt was to support its independent decision to nationalize the canal, but it did wish to negotiate a solution that was acceptable to all parties. Although the end state was valid, the “ways” and “means” passed the FAS test (feasible, attainable, and sustainable), there was more external risk. Which actor would US have to offend to achieve its end state? The U.S. diplomatic solution over the military alternative was necessary. The military outcome, even if the U.S. won, would have 2nd and 3rd order negative effects on its relationship with its Allies. America would be ostracized by the Middle East. The Soviet Union would step in because a power vacuum would be created. Moreover, the U.S. would lose status with the United Nations and its other allies, except for the British and the French. In addition, national security would be threatened and American access to the Suez Canal would be restricted or completely denied. Going into a conflict would be the greater evil, as it would favor colonization of Egypt and encourage the spread of communism in the Middle East. However, the U.S. probably knew that its relationships with the UK was more easily repairable than its relationship with the Middle East or the Soviet Union.

Similar Documents

Free Essay

To What Extent Can Britain's Increasing Involvement in Egypt 1875-85 Be Explained by the Need to Counter Egyptian Nationalism?

...key factor. This mainly just included the intervention of the Mahdi from the south, in Soudan in 1885, and Arabi Pasha in Egypt in 1882. Arabi Pasha was a man who inspired the Egyptian middle classes, and he personally led the nationalist rebellion. Gladstone's Liberals were rather against this way of expanding and believed that expansion was the wrong strategy. The Liberals strongly refused to any involvement in the expansionism in the Middle East, however Gladstone didn’t rule the Empire, and instead the money market did, so the banks wanted immediate action to protect their investments. In 1882, the army under Sir Garnet Wolseley defeated Arabi Pasha's national Islamic uprising at Tel-el-Kebir. This caused much tension and hatred towards the Europeans, which only improved with time. Following from this, there are other factors that had a greater impact and played more of an importance, such as strategic, economic, and rivalry issues. European rivalry and the competition between different nations was a rather key factor, as this included competition over the Suez Canal between Britain and France in particular. The Suez Canal was finished built in 1869 and was automatically seen to be a strategic benefit for...

Words: 818 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

In the 1870's, What Were Britain's Strategic Objectives?

...In the Early 1870’s, what were Britain’s strategic objectives? When approaching a topic as broad as strategy, especially strategic objectives, it’s important for one to realize just what of just what is covered under the term ‘strategy.’ It could mean political, economic or militant strategy. In this essay I will be exploring what Britain’s strategic objectives were, but I will focus on foreign policy for the most part, and aim to explore how foreign policy changed under different government parties. Strategic objectives, whether it’s defined corporately or politically, are the long-term goals to convert a mission statement, (or in this case, a manifesto,) from a broader vision into specific plans and projects. For 1870’s Britain, the goals set were to maintain and expand the British Empire, and by extension, economic superiority. But also Britain had set out to grow trade networks via improvements in infrastructure, and also the purchase of shares in the Suez Canal made international trade quicker and cheaper for the British to operate. The industrial revolution of Great Britain also added to this, as Podmore states, “The British Empire’s pioneer industrial supremacy was the basis of this pioneer imperial supremacy.” (Podmore, 2008) 1 Trade was a vital element to Britain’s economic successes, which is what made the purchase of Suez Canal shares so imperative to its sustainment. Because of the expansionary British Empire, Her sphere of influence spanned greater than most other...

Words: 1061 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

British Occupation 1882 Egypt

...Mohamed Sarhan 900050146 The British Occupation of Egypt in “1882” European countries have always tried to strengthen themselves by occupying less powerful countries in different places all over the world, so as to ensure that none of these countries would reach a stage of economic and political stability that might be in someway threatening to these European countries. Some of these situations where a European country occupies another country might turn beneficial to the occupied country but in the majority of cases the problems this country starts to accumulate as the occupying country takes everything it can to benefit itself leaving the other country with accumulating problems that might lead to riots, civil wars and even revolutions as in the case of Egypt. By turning the focus to Egypt one can find that it was mainly a centre of attention for many European countries, due to its location in the centre of Africa, its strong image among neighbouring countries and its location on the trade map where its found between the Mediterranean and the red sea, and so its really controls the path of all passing ships. The history of Egypt being occupied dates back to along time ago from the Greeks to the huge ottoman empire from 1517 till the British occupation in 1882, with some minor interruptions by Napoleon’s France in the French expedition...

Words: 2635 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

To What Extent Was Economics the Key Factor in Explaining Both the Expansion and Dismantlement of the British Empire in Africa During the Period 1870 to 1980?

...Economics throughout the British Empire has always had to be focused on maintenance, especially in Africa. But as we will establish, Geo-strategic and Political factors, put strain on the Empire’s ability to preserve its economy, and caused dismantlement in Africa between the years of 1870 - 1980. Though the factors of the latter, outweigh that of economics, as they all relied on perfect economics in order to be maintained or in order for the Empire to expand. As a result of two World Wars, the British where wasting resources annually trying to uphold its colonies, and as a result, simply ran out of finance and began relying on its allies, such as the USA, for support. In addition, the looming Cold War priorities meant that Britain could no longer provide for her colonies in Africa, eventually leading to dismantlement. The first issues to consider are the financial and economical impact that Africa had on the Empire, pre-world war and during the African Scramble, which contributed to the expansion of the Empire in Africa. The diamond industry became the key to the economic fortunes of the Empire in Southern Africa in the late 1800s. Though intrinsically worthless, Cecil Rhodes, who had succeeded in monopolising the diamond industry in Southern Africa, allowed the value to increase, by restricting its sales. Diamonds, which were mined from the Transvaal region, accounted for (1) “£4,000,000 (£181,600,000 today), of a £15,000,000 (£618,000,000 today)” economy. South Africa was...

Words: 2031 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

To What Extent Were Economic Motives the Most Important Reason for Britain Obtaining Influence and Possessions in Africa from 1868 – 1902?

...factor throughout this period. The British involvement in Africa was down to economic reasons; this is clear throughout the time period as most events which take place in Africa can be linked back to economy. One of the most important ecological was the purchase of 44% of the shares in the Suez Canal, these became available when the leader of Egypt; Khedvie Ismali became bankrupt and had to be bailed out. Disraeli bought the Egyptian shares in the canal for £3,976,582 in 1875. The purchasing of these shares was important as it gave Britain influence over this area, but also it opened a direct trade route with India. Due to British and French influence in the area, Britain and France assume dual control of Egypt’s finances. Although they manage to control debt levels, this is done at the expense of the Egyptian public and army. This interference led to an anti - European uprising in 1882 led by Arabi Pasha. On the 13th of September 1882 Sir Garnett Wolseley defeated the Egyptian army, however finding that the Egyptian government was in chaos the British armed forces occupied Egypt to restore stability. This gave Britain a lot of influence over this region which was important as the Suez Canal and therefore trade with India was now secure. Another example of economic factors helping Britain to gain influence was the trade in the west; on the river Niger...

Words: 1581 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Ap European Dbq

...in the acquisition of Africa was to civilize the people in Africa, which they felt, was their ultimate duty. Government officials from different European nations encouraged African acquisition in order to increase and maintain their global influence, others claimed that it was a capitalist misuse of African resources, and people who benefited from this justified their actions arguing that it was their duty to edify and civilize African inhabitants. Many government officials thought in colonizing the continent because they felt that it was necessary to maintain their global influence. For example, Benjamin Disraeli, the British prime minister at the time, read aloud a speech to the House of Commons in 1876 supporting the seizure of the Suez Canal saying that it would “strengthen the empire.” (Document 2) Since Disraeli was a prime minister he would be speaking in favor of the acquisition because it would increase his term and political influence. Prince Leopold, heir to the Belgian throne and future king, African colonization stating that it would be “an opportunity to prove the world that Belgians are also an imperial people capable of dominating and enlightening others.” (Document 1) This statement demonstrates the pressure on the weaker European nations to colonize in order to increase their influence. If other nations did not colonize, Prince Leopold would not have stated this. Eugene Melchoir de Vogue, a French diplomat, in 1903 wrote, “any country that does not wish to become...

Words: 383 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

The Definite Article

...The definite article - the The definite article The indefinite article Exercises: Articles The definite article - the The definite article the is the same for all genders in singular and in plural. the boy, the girl, the cat, the computers If the following word begins with a vowel, we speak [], if the following word begins with a consonant, we speak []. [] | [] | the following word starts with a spoken consonant | the following word starts with a spoken vowel | the girl | the English girl | the book | the orange book | the school | the old school | the unit Here a [] is pronounced at the beginning of the word. | the uncle Here a [] is pronounced at the beginning of the word. | We have listed some examples in the following table. There you can see when we use the definite article and when we don't. without the definite article | with the definite article | general words (indefinite) | general words (definite) | Life is too short. I like flowers. | I've read a book on the life of Bill Clinton. I like the flowers in your garden. | names of persons on the singular, relatives | family names in the plural | Peter and John live in London. Aunt Mary lives in Los Angeles. | The Smiths live in Chicago. | public buildings, institutions, means of transport (indefinite) | public buildings, institutions, means of transport (definite) | Mandy doesn't like school. We go to school by bus. Some people go to church on Sundays. | The school that Mandy goes...

Words: 550 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Essays on Plays and Novels

...White Chameleon The complete review's Review: White Chameleon is an autobiographical play, focussed on Christopher Hampton's youth between 1952 and 1956, most of which he spent in Alexandria, Egypt. There is a narrator to the play, Christopher, looking back on the events of that time, as it were, and a young boy -- Chris -- at the centre of the play. (Hampton also emphatically states in his stage directions: "CHRISTOPHER and his FATHER must be played by the same actor", making for an odd double-perspective of father and son.) It was a tumultuous time, between the Egyptian Revolution and the Suez Crisis. Christopher's Father (as the character is called in the play) was a Cable & Wireless engineer, and loved his life in Alexandria. The comfortable idyll is shattered in the years covered in the play: not brutally extinguished, but just bothersomely made impossible, the true ugliness first not taken too seriously (because it is avoidable, among other reasons) and ultimately simply left behind. Young Chris doesn't understand much about the goings-on. Shuttled back and forth to the supposed safety of England, he's an outsider regardless of where he is -- a wog, always trying to fit in, to whom England is more foreign and unwelcoming than Egypt. He is, of course, like the white chameleon of the title: trying to change his appearance to blend in. A major figure in the Egyptian household is Ibrahim, the company servant with a weakness for alcohol and two...

Words: 423 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Suez Crisis

...The Suez Crisis During the 1950’s, Britain’s rule over Egypt led them to gain joint control over the Suez Canal with the French. However, many Egyptians were tired of Britain’s presence because they felt as if they were second class citizens in their own country. This led to Egypt’s military beginning to pressure Britain’s armies, located in the Canal Zone, so they would leave. Not only were attacks made on the British, but also on Israeli troops along the border between the two countries. Years later, this long and negative history between the nations would eventually lead to the joint decision for Israel, Britain, and France to attack Egypt when Colonel Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal in July 1956. As a result, the Suez Crisis ensued. During the course of this paper, I will argue that the Suez Crisis had a greater impact on Britain and Frances’ power as colonizing countries as it exposed significant military weaknesses. I will first discuss in further detail what the Suez Crisis was. Then I will explain the different measures that were taken to maintain peace amongst the nations involved. Lastly, I will discuss the different outcomes Egypt, Britain, France, and Israel faced. When Colonel Nasser replaced General Neguib in 1954 he had three main goals for Egypt. These included: making Egypt independent by ending British occupation, building up the Egyptian forces for an effective attack on Israel, and building the economy by constructing a dam at...

Words: 2002 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

The Six Day War: The Causes Of The Six Day War

...Before I start my argumentation I will give a brief summary of the six day war. The six day war was in 1967. It started with Egypt blocking the port of Eilat, a very important trading route for Israel, and mobilising the army in the Sinai desert. They did this after receiving a false report from the Soviet Union. Israel launched a pre-emptive assault on June 5th against Egypt, destroying their air force almost completely. Both the Syrian and Jordanian air forces encountered the same fate. Around June 8th Israel had overcome Egypt and Jordan forces, taking the Sinai desert and the west bank and east Jerusalem as new territory. Egypt and Jordan were defeated. The next two days Israel conquered the Golan Heights from Syria. On June 10th, Saturday evening the war had ended. (Reynolds, 2000) The first reason why the political situation is Syria had such influence was because of their foreign policy in the middle-east. The leader of Syria was the neo-Ba’ath party that got power via a military group in February 1966. (Laron, 2010) They focused on creating a feeling of nationalism instead of pan-Arabism. The new regime wanted to spread Syrian ideology and wanted to limit western power in the Middle East. They expressed this in their strong anti-Zionist views because they saw Israel as the representation of that power. They wanted to drive Israel away and did this through verbal propaganda, for example the struggle against Israel was soon called ‘the popular war of liberation’ (Mann...

Words: 943 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Ancient Egypt Research Paper

...Ancient Egypt is a wonderful land of mystery. People today still have no idea how to duplicate some of the achievements of Ancient Egyptians. Egypt became a great civilization due to many things, but there were three that seem to stand out above the rest. They were the geography, culture, and Architecture. Egypt can be divided into four major regions: the Nile Valley and Delta, the Arabian Desert, the Libyan Desert, and the Sinai. The Nile River valley is about 950 mi. long. In the south the valley is rarely more than 2 mi. wide. "North of EDFU (Idfu) the valley averages 5 to 10 mi. in width, with steep cliffs on either side" . From Cairo to the north, the valley merges with the fertile delta. "Southwest of Cairo near...

Words: 336 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Ancient Egypt Research Paper

...Egypt is divided into twenty-six governorates (sometimes called provinces), which include four city governorates: Alexandria (Al Iskandariyah), Cairo (Al Qahirah), Port Said (Bur Said) and Suez; the nine governorates of Lower Egypt in the Nile Delta region; the eight governorates of Upper Egypt along the Nile River south from Cairo to Aswan; and the five frontier governorates covering Sinai and the deserts that lie west and east of the Nile. All governorates, except the frontier ones, are in the Nile Delta or along the Nile Valley and Suez Canal. Ancient Egyptian architecture is the architecture of Ancient Egypt, which developed a vast array of diverse structures in great architectural monuments along the Nile. Egypt was on of the most influential civilizations throughout history. The Karnak is an ancient Egyptian temple located on the east bank of the Nile River in Thebes (modern-day Luxor). It covers more than 100 hectares, an area larger than some ancient cities. To the south of the central area is a smaller precinct dedicated to his wife, the goddess Mut. In the north, there is another precinct dedicated to Montu, the falcon-headed god of war. Also, to...

Words: 1587 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Global Warming

...Aya Ghraoui 900112357 September 21st 2011 How has/will Global Warming affect the Nile Delta River? Global warming as we know is increasing the world’s temperature making it hotter every summer, with less cold winter days. Knowing such thing, it is assumed to be a very dangerous place to live near the Nile Delta in 100 years. The Nile delta is a place where 10.5 percent of Egypt’s populations live, because it is a rich land, where people can grow crops and soil on. It is where the Nile River spreads out, and drains into the Mediterranean Sea. Having said so, how will global warming affect this rich soily land that provides a home for 3rd of the population? The answer is climate change, which will cause “the Mediterranean and other seas to rise one foot and 3.3 feet, flooding the coastal areas along the delta”. It will destroy the sandy beaches that are one of the main reasons why Egypt is visited by millions of tourists’ every day. Due to global warming, scientists are afraid that the ice sheets of Greenland and West Antarctic would melt; this will cause a greater damage for Egypt. As I mentioned before 10.5 percent of the population would have to look for new homes, because the delta would completely drown. Including half of the crops in Egypt would drown too, such as wheat bananas and rice. This is why, we should be more careful with the resources we use. We should recycle and help Egypt and the world from the burden of global warming. This will affect nobody but...

Words: 315 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

The Consequences of the Suez Crisis

...The consequences of the Suez Crisis USA: the USA was able to step into the power vacuum left by France and Britain, and it emerged (along with the Soviets) as the one of the new foreign powers in the Middle East. The USA had now entered the Cold war battlefield, in the Middle East. The actions taken in the crisis, made the USA, seem favorable towards the Egyptians. The action taken by the USA, also raised a point of scholarly contention: the question, to what extent the Cold war had been imposed upon the region by the United States and the Soviet union-and to what extent the Cold War was imported into the region and manipulated by regional leaders for their own ends USSR: the USSR was able to step into the power vacuum left by France and Britain, and it emerged (along with the united states) as the one of the new foreign powers in the Middle East. The USSR had now entered the Cold war battlefield, in the Middle East. It also gave money to Egypt, for the completion of the Aswan dam. The action taken by the USA, also raised a point of scholarly contention: the question, to what extent the Cold war had been imposed upon the region by the United States and the Soviet union-and to what extent the Cold War was imported into the region and manipulated by regional leaders for their own ends UN: UNEF, was created, and it guaranteed freedom of shipping in the gulf of Aqba , providing Israel with a red sea port. UNEF also provided some limited control over the Fedayeen infiltrations ...

Words: 646 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

To What Extent Did the First World War (1914-1918) Affect British Power in Africa?

...PART A - To what extent did The First World War (1914-1918) affect British power in Africa? PART B - To what extent did international relations explain the rise or fall of the British Empire in Africa from c.1870-1990? Resource Record • Your resource record must be completed before you start writing your coursework. • It will be sent to the examiner along with your coursework. • This is a record of all the reading you have undertaken. You will also be required to briefly assess how useful the reading was. • I will have to confirm to the examiner that you have read the source, and so will ask to see your notebook, which should contain all of your notes. • The resource record has no word limit. • This template below is what it will look like – it will be emailed you. |Source |Summary of what you learnt from the source |Reflections: usefulness / limitations of the source | |Burk, Kathleen (2006) “It took quite a long time for the |Britain was not one the first nations to try colonise |The source is useful as it is showing that Britain was forced into | |British Government to become interested in Africa ” | |colonising their empire in Africa as Africa was the wanted | | |...

Words: 1826 - Pages: 8