Emergent Nationalism in the Middle East Arab Nationalism and the Suez Crisis

OVERVIEW In this lesson we examine: The background of Arab nationalism Nasser and ‘Pan-Arabism’ International involvement in the Suez Crisis Factors for long-term conflict

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Ottoman Empire was in decline European states took over outer territories such as the British takeover of Egypt During WWI, Arabs with British support led a revolt in return for sovereignty Background of Arab Nationalism

Egypt, Iraq, Palestine and Transjordan were under British control Lebanon and Syria were French mandates By the end of WWII, most of the mandates had become kingdoms under Arab rule

Nasser and Pan-Arabism Pan-Arabism: Called for unity of all Arab states in North Africa and the Middle East Was intended to be secular and suppressed Muslim extremism Was influenced by Marxist socialist ideals but wanted to be non- aligned during the Cold War After the Arab- Israeli War of 1948, Gamal Abdel Nasser seized power in Egypt. What were the key parts of his ‘Pan-Arab’ platform?

Several key actions by Nasser began to agitate Britain, France and Israel: Purchased arms from Czechoslovakia in 1955 Forced British forces out of the Suez Canal in 1956 Condemned the anti-Soviet, Baghdad Pact of Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Pakistan International involvement in the Suez Crisis

Up until 1956, the US and the World Bank offered loans for Egypt’s Aswan hydroelectric dam project. The West withdrew financial support and in response, Nasser… nationalized the Suez Canal forced foreign engineers out of the country bought out British and French shareholders How did Britain, France and Israel react?

In a secret meeting at Sevres, Britain, France and Israel decided: Israel would invade Egypt on the pretense of opening the Gulf of Aquba Britain and France would offer a ceasefire, leaving Israel in Egyptian territory Britain and France would invade Egypt after it rejected the ceasefire Why was the Suez Canal still valuable to Britain and France in 1956?

Britain, France and Israel had successfully invaded the Suez Canal and Sinai Peninsula The USSR threatened to attack Britain and France. The US supported UN resolutions for a ceasefire and threatened to withdraw financial support to Britain Britain, France and Israel were forced to withdraw and UN peacekeepers monitored the withdrawal on Egyptian territory Why were both the US and USSR so quick to react against British and French actions?

Both the US and USSR increased their influence in the Middle East Nasser emerged as a popular defender of Arab interests Israel saw the success of unilateral action in dealing with its neighbours The Gulf of Aquba and Palestinian refugees were unresolved issues In the aftermath of the conflict what factors ensured future conflict was inevitable? Factors for long-term conflict

Why did Nasser nationalize the Suez Canal and how did Britain and France respond? What lesson did Britain and France learn about their influence in the post WWII world? Why were the US and USSR so concerned with their reputations among Arab states? SUMMARY QUESTIONS