Photo depicting the Egyptian dredger Pollux is shown sunk in the Suez Canal, Nov. 12, 1956.

Diplomacy Classroom: Consequences of the Suez Canal Crisis of 1956

1:00 pm

Virtual

As one of the world’s most heavily used waterways, the Suez Canal holds an important role in the current and historical political climate. NMAD welcomed guest historian Dr. Tizoc Chavez to discuss the 1956 Suez Canal Crisis and its consequences for international relations. 

Dr. Chavez helped us understand the situation’s complexity, highlighting the many different stakeholders, contexts, and constraints that played a role in the blockage of the Suez Canal and the resulting crisis. Then we learned that competing interests between the U.S, the Soviet Union, Egypt, Israel, France, and Britain over access to the Suez Canal led to military intervention in the Canal and greatly challenged American relations with France and Britain. 

Finally, Dr. Chavez highlights that although the crisis was de-escalated through the efforts of many diplomats globally, the events of the Suez Canal Crisis held a significant and lasting impact on many international relationships and on the reputations of involved nations.

Learn more about this pivotal moment in history

  • What was the world like in 1956? 10:09
  • What was the Suez Canal crisis? 16:12 
  • Who were the diplomats and world leaders? 25:58
  • What was the immediate aftermath of the crisis? 34:44
  • What were the long-term consequences of the crisis? 40:16

Watch Diplomacy Classroom: Consequences of the Suez Canal Crisis of 1956 below