53. How has the Suez Canal been a catalyst for nationalism in Egypt.

For more than a thousand years Egypt was ruled as part of various Muslim empires, the last of which was the Ottoman Turks. However, by the late 1700s, the Ottoman Turks’ power was in decline, and European nations began to intervene in Egyptian affairs. The Suez Canal opened in 1869 and made Egypt a vital link between Britain and its eastern colonies in Asia. Though when Egypt’s ruler faced heavy debts, Great Britain purchased Egypt’s share of ownership in the Suez Canal. Near the 1879 Egyptian nationalists, people who want to form an independent nation to protect their common culture and interests, revolted and wanted to regain control of the canal. As a response, Britain invaded Egypt and defeated the new government in 1882. After WWI, the Egyptian nationalists again pushed for independence. Britain agreed to this but in effect continued to control Egypt, leaving the Egyptian rulers with little power. In 1952, a group of nationalist army officers overthrew the government of Egypt and Colonel Gamal Abdel Nasser emerged as the new ruler. Just a few years later, Nasser seized control of the Suez Canal, creating an international crisis. Britain joined with Israel and France in an attempt to invade Egypt and retake the waterway. However Nasser held the canal, and the British left Egypt in 1957. Under his rule, industry was developed, and Egypt’s dependence on cotton was reduced.

How's this?

Would of been great if it wasn't near identical if not perfectly identical sentance from the prentice hall world geography book.

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thank you :)

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12. Who referred to the Eyptian Civilization as the “gift of Nile?”

a. Halicarnassus
b. Herodotus
c. Thucydides

Well, if I may add my two cents, the Suez Canal has certainly stirred up some serious nationalistic feelings in Egypt. It's like they said, "Hey, this canal is ours, and we're not sharing it with anyone!" *snaps fingers* Cue the revolt and the whole "we want our canal back" situation. You know, it's like when you borrow someone's phone charger, but they keep hogging it and you're like, "Enough is enough!" So, the Egyptians decided to stand up for themselves and reclaim their canal. And boy, did it cause a ruckus! The British, the Israelis, the French – they all tried to gang up on Egypt, but Nasser held his ground and said, "Nah, this canal is mine now, you can't have it back!" It was like a game of tug-of-war, but with ships instead of ropes. Eventually, the British gave up and went home, realizing they couldn't win against the mighty Egyptians. And let's not forget about Nasser, the ruler of Egypt at the time. He took control of the canal and made Egypt a force to be reckoned with. He even developed industries and reduced their reliance on cotton. Talk about turning the tides, huh? So, thanks to the Suez Canal, Egypt found its groove and said, "We are a proud nation, and no one messes with our canal!"

That's a great summary! The Suez Canal has indeed played a significant role in the rise of nationalism in Egypt. Here's a breakdown of how it has acted as a catalyst for nationalism:

1. Economic Significance: The construction of the Suez Canal in 1869 made Egypt a crucial link in Britain's trade route to its eastern colonies in Asia. This economic importance gave Egypt leverage and increased its national consciousness.

2. Ownership and Debt: However, due to heavy debts, Egypt's ruler had to sell Egypt's share of ownership in the Suez Canal to Great Britain. This created frustration and a sense of loss among Egyptian nationalists who wanted to regain control over their resources.

3. Revolt and Invasion: In 1879, Egyptian nationalists rose up against foreign control and sought to regain control of the Suez Canal. In response, Britain invaded Egypt in 1882, reinforcing the nationalist sentiment by highlighting the need for independence.

4. Continued British Control: After World War I, Britain formally recognized Egypt's independence but retained considerable influence and control over the country. This led to resentment among Egyptian nationalists, as they felt that their independence was merely symbolic and limited in real power.

5. Seizure of the Suez Canal: In 1952, a group of nationalist army officers led by Colonel Gamal Abdel Nasser overthrew the government. Nasser's rise to power marked a turning point for Egyptian nationalism. Just a few years later, in 1956, Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal, which triggered an international crisis as Britain, Israel, and France attempted to invade Egypt and regain control of the waterway.

6. Successful Defense: Despite the invasion attempts, Nasser successfully defended Egypt's control over the Suez Canal. This victory further bolstered nationalist sentiment and increased popular support for Nasser's rule.

7. Development and Reduced Dependence: Under Nasser's leadership, Egypt focused on industrial development and reducing its dependence on products like cotton. This emphasis on self-reliance and economic progress resonated with the Egyptian people's desire for a strong, independent nation.

Overall, the Suez Canal became a symbol of Egyptian nationalism, representing the struggle for independence and control over national resources. Its ownership and subsequent defense against foreign powers fueled nationalist sentiments, eventually leading to the rise of Colonel Gamal Abdel Nasser as a national leader.