Suez Crisis
Smoke rises from oil tanks beside the Suez Canal, November 5, 1956. Imperial War Museums, MH 23509
1956
Built in 1869 by the British and the French, the Suez Canal provided a direct maritime link between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. In 1956, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nassar seized and nationalized the canal, prompting fear among Western governments that the vital route of oil through the canal was compromised. Tensions came to a head when Britain and France attacked the canal zone. Canadian Secretary of State Lester B. Pearson, who had been working to obtain a diplomatic solution, then proposed a peacekeeping force that would monitor the situation. The presence of United Nations forces allowed the British, French and Israeli forces to retreat without losing face, while diffusing tensions. Pearson won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in 1957.
Each day for 150 days leading up to the opening of the Canadian History Hall, we’re presenting one moment among the many that have shaped our country. Discover more of Canada’s significant historical events in the new Canadian History Hall, opening July 1, 2017.