Why Did the US Order Britain Out of Egypt in the Suez Crisis, but Not in 1800s?
The Suez Crisis of 1956 was a pivotal moment in the history of international relations. During this time, the United States, despite its long-standing anti-imperialist stance, managed to assert its influence and ordered Britain to withdraw its forces from Egypt. This event raises a significant question: why did the US have the power in 1956 that it didn't have in the 1800s?
Key Reasons: Money and Military Might
The simple answer lies in two primary factors: money and military capability. The era of the early 1800s marked a time when the United States was still forming its own national identity. The nation was isolationist, with a rather small military and a strong economic dependence on the United Kingdom for resources like cotton and tobacco. At that time, Britain was the dominant imperial power, boasting the largest standing army and navy in the world and the most extensive empire ever seen.
Evolution of Power: Post-World War II
By the mid-20th century, the dynamic had fundamentally changed. The United States had emerged as a superpower, significantly fueled by its involvement in World Wars I and II. Its military, once a mere fraction of that seen in European nations, grew to major ranks. The American economy also surged, making the nation the world's leading industrial and financial power. In 1956, President Eisenhower was able to leverage these newfound strengths to assert U.S. influence, ordering the British to leave Egypt without significant resistance from America itself.
Historical Context: The Suez Crisis
The Suez Crisis involved complex geopolitical dynamics. Egypt, under President Gamal Abdel Nasser, was attempting to nationalize the Suez Canal, which had been a key asset for British and French interests. In response, the UK and France launched an attack, with the U.S. eventually pressuring them to withdraw. This situation was enabled by the U.S. ability to disrupt the British economy via financial instrumentality. The U.S. could have significantly weakened the British pound by cutting off support, potentially causing a financial disaster for the former colonial empire.
Retrospective Analysis: Early U.S. Military Capabilities
Historical records show that just prior to the American Civil War (1861), the U.S. Army was tiny, numbering fewer than 20,000 soldiers. Even in 1939, during the eve of World War II, the U.S. Army was ranked 17th in the world – a far cry from the military superpower it became post-World War II. The second World War provided an inflection point, with the U.S. significantly ramping up its military, industrial, and economic capabilities, setting the stage for its international assertiveness in the following decades.
Implications for International Relations
The Suez Crisis highlights the influence of national capabilities on international relations. British efforts in the 1800s to maintain its empire were critical, but they were unsustainable in the face of changing global dynamics. By the 1950s, the U.S. was able to leverage financial and military power to order Britain from Egypt, reflecting a shift in global power dynamics. This event is not just a historical curiosity but a potent reminder of how national strengths and weaknesses shape international politics.
Understanding these dynamics can provide valuable insights for modern international relations. As the global landscape continues to evolve, the balance of power among nations will continue to shift, leading to new challenges and opportunities in diplomatic maneuvers and negotiations.
The Suez Crisis serves as a reminder of the critical importance of economic and military strength in international relations. It highlights the transformation of the United States from an agrarian, isolationist country to a global superpower capable of exerting significant influence on international affairs.