The Suez Crisis and the British Empire
The political fallout of the Suez Crisis was keenly felt at home, but how did it change Britain’s approach to the Middle East? And what did it mean for the British Empire?
It is often claimed that the dramatic clash between ethics and cynical realpolitik at Suez spelled the end of the British empire. The resort to force without UN sanction, collusion with France and Israel and prime ministerial deceit breached principles of international diplomacy, parliamentary conduct and the Cabinet’s collective responsibility. Eden’s actions were attacked in the press, Parliament and public demonstrations.