The 1956 Suez Crisis and the struggle over control of the canal.
Historical background
In July 1956, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalised the Suez Canal Company. Britain, France and Israel coordinated a military intervention in the autumn, each with its own objectives.
International pressure, including opposition from the United States and the Soviet Union, led the invading forces to withdraw. Egypt retained control of the canal, and the crisis exposed the limits of British and French power.
