Question

To what extent was Nasser responsible for the Suez War of 1956?

Answer 1

Nasser was held responsible for the Suez War of 1956 for the following reasons:

1. The Suez Canal Crisis began when Egypt’s President Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalised the Suez Canal in July 1956. This action was taken after the United States withdrew its financial support for the construction of the Aswan Dam.
2. Egypt required the Aswan Dam for the irrigation of the Nile Valley. Therefore, Nasser decided to nationalise the Suez Canal so that Egypt could earn revenue from shipping charges to make up for the loss of American aid.
3. The Suez Crisis changed the balance of power in the region. Although Egypt suffered a military defeat, Nasser’s popularity increased greatly in the Arab world as he was seen as a strong supporter of Arab nationalism.
4. Nasser was also viewed as a serious threat to Israel. He encouraged border conflicts and prevented Israel from using the Suez Canal and the Straits of Tiran for shipping. French Prime Minister Mollet informed British Prime Minister Anthony Eden about the plan, and Britain, like Israel, was eager to take part in the attack.
5. Nasser refused to renew the treaty with Britain that allowed British troops to remain stationed near the Suez Canal.
6. Nasser signed an arms agreement with Czechoslovakia, and Russian experts came to Egypt to train the Egyptian army. This was seen as the spread of communist influence in the Western world. He also supported Algeria in its freedom struggle against France, which angered colonial powers and was considered a challenge to Western control in the Arab region.