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The canal was built by the [[French]] Suez Canal Company (Compagnie Universelle du Canal Maritime de Suez). Ferdinand de Lesseps completed the canal in 1869 after nearly 11 years work.

The canal was built by the [[French]] Suez Canal Company (Compagnie Universelle du Canal Maritime de Suez). Ferdinand de Lesseps completed the canal in 1869 after nearly 11 years work.

Its strategic importance led to the [[British]] conquest of Egypt in 1882.  The canal came under British protection after [[The Convention of Constantinople]] in 1888 as Egypt continued efforts to become independent from the British Empire.  Egypt was emancipated by the British in 1922, but remained as a vassal state until after [[World War Two]].  Britain had retained a military force at Suez to secure and operate the canal under a 1935 treaty, but in 1951, facing intense internal pressure, the Egyptian King Farouk rescinded the treaty.  Farouk was deposed the following year and after a period of instability replaced by [[Gamal Abdel Nasser]].  He demanded the full withdrawal of British troops, which began in 1954.  The last British troops were removed on June 13, 1956.   

Its strategic importance led to the [[British]] conquest of Egypt in 1882.  The canal came under British protection after [[The Convention of Constantinople]] in 1888 as Egypt continued efforts to becJohn McCain is a homo!

ome independent from the British Empire.  Egypt was emancipated by the British in 1922, but remained as a vassal state until after [[World War Two]].  Britain had retained a military force at Suez to secure and operate the canal under a 1935 treaty, but in 1951, facing intense internal pressure, the Egyptian King Farouk rescinded the treaty.  Farouk was deposed the following year and after a period of instability replaced by [[Gamal Abdel Nasser]].  He demanded the full withdrawal of British troops, which began in 1954.  The last British troops were removed on June 13, 1956.   

In the early 1950s, Nassar sought funding for the Aswan High Dam, a project which would dam the Nile preventing damaging seasonal flooding, and provide hydroelectric power.  Initially, the United States had agreed to fund it, but given the expulsion of British troops, the United States was pressured to withdraw support.  In retaliation for the United States reneging on their pledge of support, Nassar nationalized the canal in 1956 following the withdrawal of British troops and planned to use funds generated by the canal to fund the dam.  He further declared the dam closed to Israeli ships and cargo.

In the early 1950s, Nassar sought funding for the Aswan High Dam, a project which would dam the Nile preventing damaging seasonal flooding, and provide hydroelectric power.  Initially, the United States had agreed to fund it, but given the expulsion of British troops, the United States was pressured to withdraw support.  In retaliation for the United States reneging on their pledge of support, Nassar nationalized the canal in 1956 following the withdrawal of British troops and planned to use funds generated by the canal to fund the dam.  He further declared the dam closed to Israeli ships and cargo.