Empire: World History 284. Suez Crisis: The British Imperialist vs The Arab Nationalist (Part 1)
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Aug 25, 2025 
Join historian Alex Von Tunzelmann, known for her work on geopolitical crises, as she delves into the Suez Crisis that nearly ignited World War 3 in 1956. She reveals why the Suez Canal was crucial for European oil and examines British Prime Minister Anthony Eden's animosity towards Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser. Expect insights on the personal dynamics between these leaders, the rise of Arab nationalism, and the disastrous cultural missteps that heightened tensions, all of which reshaped global power dynamics.
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De Lesseps: Diplomat Behind Suez
- Ferdinand de Lesseps was a diplomat and fundraiser, not an engineer, who led the Suez project.
- His success at Suez later propelled him to attempt the Panama Canal with catastrophic results.
How Suez Was Financed
- The Suez Canal was financed largely by private European investors and big Egyptian loans.
- Egypt bought 44% via share purchases funded by heavy borrowing, sowing future trouble.
Building And Celebrating Suez
- Construction began in 1859 using Egyptian labourers called the fellahin working in brutal conditions.
- The canal opened in 1869 with lavish celebrations attended by European royals and 77 ships.
