Suez Canal crisis

Cultural  

1. A major international incident that arose in 1956 from the decision by Gamal A. Nasser of Egypt (see also Egypt) to nationalize the Suez Canal, which long had been controlled by Great Britain. After Nasser took over the canal, Britain and France induced Israel to provoke a conflict with Egypt that would serve as a pretext for an Anglo-French invasion of Egypt. The United States, which had been excluded from the planned invasion, denounced it. The incident severely damaged Anglo-American relations.

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Example Sentences

“The Case of the Slipped Discus,” as one British newspaper called it, dominated headlines, giving the Suez Canal crisis a run for its money on the front page.

From New York Times • Aug. 23, 2016

After using the Suez Canal crisis as the backdrop for its first six-episode season, “The Hour” moves ahead a year for Season 2, to 1957 and the launching of Sputnik 2.

From New York Times • Nov. 27, 2012

He said that he volunteered to serve with Israel paratroopers during the Suez Canal crisis but was turned away.

From Washington Post

The House of Commons held its first weekend emergency session since the Suez Canal crisis of 1956.

From Time Magazine Archive

While British and French troops moved to the alert in the tense Suez Canal crisis, the U.S. last week took a firm stand for moderation.

From Time Magazine Archive