Changes

The '''Suez Crisis''' was the abortive military invasion of [[Egypt]] by [[United Kingdom|British]] and [[France|French]] troops in October–November 1956 in an attempt to overthrow the radical government of Colonel [[Gamal Abdel Nasser]] and restore western control of the [[Suez Canal]].  At the same time [[Israel]] also attacked.

The '''Suez Crisis''' was the abortive military invasion of [[Egypt]] by [[United Kingdom|British]] and [[France|French]] troops in October–November 1956 in an attempt to overthrow the radical government of Colonel [[Gamal Abdel Nasser]] and restore western control of the [[Suez Canal]].  At the same time [[Israel]] also attacked.

Nasser came to power in 1954 and had persuaded the United States , Britain and the [[World Bank]] to lend money to build the [[Aswan High Dam]] which would supply Egypt with [[hydro-electric power]]. In July 1956 the US withdrew its promise of a loan (the largest component of the international loan), followed by the other participants. To secure alternative funding, Nasser nationalised the Suez Canal Company. This was perceived as an act of aggression by Britain and France. The two powers drew up an intervention plan with Israel: Israel would respond to Egyptian provocations by launching an attack; Anglo-French forces would then 'intervene' to protect the security of the canal.  

Nasser came to power in 1954 and had persuaded the United States, Britain and the [[World Bank]] to lend money to build the [[Aswan High Dam]] which would supply Egypt with [[hydro-electric power]]. In July 1956 the US withdrew its promise of a loan (the largest component of the international loan), followed by the other participants. To secure alternative funding, Nasser nationalised the Suez Canal Company. This was perceived as an act of aggression by Britain and France. The two powers drew up an intervention plan with Israel: Israel would respond to Egyptian provocations by launching an attack; Anglo-French forces would then 'intervene' to protect the security of the canal.  

[[Israel]] attacked Egypt on 29 October 1956. On 30 October Britain and France demanded that both sides withdrew ten miles from the canal; on 31 October they began to bomb Egyptian airfields following Egyptian refusal to comply with the ultimatum; on 5 November Anglo-French paratroopers captured [[Port Said]] and prepared to advance along the canal.

[[Israel]] attacked Egypt on 29 October 1956. On 30 October Britain and France demanded that both sides withdrew ten miles from the canal; on 31 October they began to bomb Egyptian airfields following Egyptian refusal to comply with the ultimatum; on 5 November Anglo-French paratroopers captured [[Port Said]] and prepared to advance along the canal.