Did public opinion support Eden's decision to take military action against Egypt?
Did public opinion support Eden’s decision to take military action against Egypt?
Occurring just eleven years after the Second World War, the Suez crisis divided Britain into the Right, eager to suppress and destroy Nasser’s dictatorial regime and a more liberal and tolerant Left. The British general public ideally wanted to avoid war, however some thought that an assault on Egypt would recapture the Suez canal, restore Britain’s national pride and halt the fast growing Arab nationalism which was catalysed by Nasser and his party’s ideals. Conversely, others thought that this coercive, imperialistic policy would increase tensions in the Middle East, encourage Arab nationalism and infuriate the already hostile Soviets.