How important was President Nasser as a cause of the Suez War in 1956?
Level
O LEVEL
Year Examined
2021
Topic
ISRAELIS AND PALESTINIANS SINCE 1945
👑Complete Model Essay
How important was President Nasser as a cause of the Suez War in 1956?
How Important Was President Nasser as a Cause of the Suez War in 1956?
The Suez War of 1956 was a pivotal moment in the Middle East, marking the decline of British and French influence and the rise of Gamal Abdel Nasser as a pan-Arab leader. While Nasser's actions were undoubtedly a catalyst for the conflict, arguing that he was solely responsible for the war is an oversimplification. This essay will argue that while Nasser's policies contributed significantly to the outbreak of the Suez War, other factors, particularly the actions of Britain, France, and Israel, were equally, if not more important.
Nasser's Role: Nationalism and the Suez Canal
Nasser's rise to power in 1952 ushered in an era of Egyptian nationalism and a rejection of Western imperialism. His decision to nationalize the Suez Canal in July 1956, following the withdrawal of Western funding for the Aswan Dam, was a direct challenge to British and French economic and strategic interests. The canal was a vital artery for Western trade and a symbol of their imperial past. Nasser's action, coupled with his anti-Western rhetoric and support for Algerian independence, inflamed tensions with Britain and France.
Furthermore, Nasser's decision to blockade the Straits of Tiran, thereby cutting off Israeli shipping through the Red Sea, directly threatened Israel's economic security. This action, perceived as aggression by Israel, contributed to the growing hostility between Egypt and Israel, culminating in the 1956 war.
Beyond Nasser: The Interests of Britain, France, and Israel
However, it is crucial to recognize that the Suez Crisis cannot be viewed solely through the lens of Nasser's actions. Britain and France, clinging to their declining imperial status, were determined to maintain control over the Suez Canal. Their collusion with Israel to plan and execute a coordinated attack on Egypt demonstrated their willingness to use military force to secure their interests in the region.
Israel, facing constant security threats from its Arab neighbors, saw an opportunity in the escalating crisis to eliminate Egyptian military capabilities in the Sinai Peninsula and end the cross-border raids from the Gaza Strip. Their preemptive strike on Egypt on October 29th, 1956, effectively triggered the Suez War.
The Cold War Context
Adding further complexity to the situation was the backdrop of the Cold War. Nasser's growing ties with the Soviet Union, evidenced by his arms deal in 1955, raised alarm bells in the West. The Suez Crisis became entangled in the broader ideological struggle between the superpowers, with both sides seeking to advance their interests in the region.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Nasser’s actions, particularly the nationalization of the Suez Canal and the blockade of the Straits of Tiran, were significant catalysts for the Suez War, they were not the sole cause. The pre-existing tensions between Egypt and Israel, the imperial ambitions of Britain and France, and the overarching context of the Cold War all played crucial roles in creating the conditions that led to this international conflict. Nasser’s actions might have provided the immediate trigger, but the underlying causes of the Suez War ran far deeper and involved a complex interplay of international actors and their competing interests.
**Sources:**
**The Suez Crisis*by Peter Calvocoressi (1957)
**Israelis and Palestinians since 1945*by Rosemary Rees (2008)
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Outline
I. Nasser's Contribution to the Suez War
A Nasser's nationalist policies alienated the West and promoted anti-Western sentiment. /A
B Nasser's nationalization of the Suez Canal and blockade of the Straits of Tiran escalated tensions. /A
C Nasser's support for Arab nationalism and hostility towards Israel further provoked Western powers. /A
II. Alternative Causes of the Suez War
A British and French imperial interests were threatened by Nasser's control of the Suez Canal. /A
B Israel's desire for security and territorial gains played a significant role. /A
C The Cold War context influenced Nasser's alignment with the USSR and Western powers' fears. /A
III. Comparative Importance of Nasser's Role
A Nasser's actions undoubtedly triggered the crisis, but other factors also contributed substantially. /A
B Britain and France had long-standing interests in the Suez Canal, and Israel had security concerns that could not be ignored. /A
C The Cold War context shaped the diplomatic maneuvering and superpower involvement. /A
Conclusion
A Nasser was a significant cause of the Suez War, but his role should be considered in conjunction with other contributing factors. /A
B The war was a complex international conflict with multiple root causes, of which Nasser's actions were one component. /A
Extracts from Mark Schemes
How important was President Nasser as a cause of the Suez War in 1956? Explain your answer.
YES – 1956 – Nasser came to power in 1954 with nationalist policies and wanted to remove foreign influences in Egypt; he officially recognised Communist China which damaged relations with the West; Nasser nationalised Suez Canal and blocked Straits of Tiran which led to Suez Crisis; anti-Western rhetoric and promotion of Arab nationalism and hostility towards Israel – led to 1956 War when Britain, France and Israel launched a secretly planned attack on Egypt etc.
NO – More important – role of Britain and France who had been arming Israel since 1949; Suez Canal crucial for British and French imperial interests and trade; role of Israel who wanted to remove Egyptian presence in the Sinai region and wanted to stop Palestinian raids on Israeli settlements from the Gaza Strip; Cold War context as Nasser turned to the USSR for military assistance and financial aid, etc.