Suez+Crisis

**__What is the Suez Crisis? __**  On July 26, 1956, a dangerous situation arose which could have been the spark of a major war if it were not for future prime minister Lester B. Pearson. On that fateful day, Egypt’s head of state: President Nasser decided to nationalize the Suez Canal company. The canal used to be under British and French control and was an important trade route for the East. It was a shortcut to and from the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. This action alarmed the British, French, and Israelis and responded by attacking Egypt. Since there was much tension between these countries, members of the United Nations were desperately trying to smooth everything out. In that desperate time of need, Lester B. Pearson, Canadian Secretary of State for External Affairs, stepped up to challenge this dilemma. First, he convinced the General Assembly to order all foreign troops out of Egypt. He then persuaded the United Nations to set up an international police force called, "The United Nations Emergency Force." (UNEF) The first task set for this police force was to keep a peace between the two sides of the dispute until a resolution was worked out.

code "We need action not only to end the fighting, but to make the peace... My own government would be glad to recommend Canadian participation in such a United Nations force, a truly international peace and police force." - Lester B. Pearson - November 2, 1956 code 

This action that Pearson took was highly successful. UNEF would only observe, investigate, meditate, and send reports on this dispute. The opposing sides respected the ceasefire and didn't open fire. Under international pressure and the arrival of UNEF, British and French forces withdrew from Egypt at the end of 1956. Israeli forces withdrew in early 1957. UNEF stayed in Egypt until President Nasser expelled the force in 1967 on the eve of the 6 Day War. In the following days, the UNEF succeeded in brigining peace throughout the region. This success was due to Pearson's perserverance and strong beliefs. For his efforts, Pearson received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957.

Whats so important about it?
  Any moment in history where a huge crisis was averted is important. Lets pretend that Pearson was denied by the United Nations on the idea of the UNEF. The two opposing sides in Egypt will continue with bloodshed and will cause many lives to disappear. The Soviet Union could have sent missiles to support Egypt and that could have bought America onto the frontlines. Then, every single alliance that these nations have would be obliged into entering this war. This could have been a World War III if it were not for Lester B. Pearson's decisions. So what's so important about remembering this moment in history? We definately do NOT want this to happen again. If humans don't learn the first time, then history can repeat itself resulting in disasterous consequences. By keeping this moment in history in our archives, we can make the correct decisions should this situation arise once again.

Image Credits
None of the pictures used above are mine. They have been taken from other websites and here are the proper credits.

Image 1 & 2 http://www.suezcrisis.ca/summary.html

Image 3 http://www.cartoonstock.com/vintage/directory/s/suez_canal.asp

Thank you for reading!

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