How the Suez Canal changed the world - Lucia Carminati

Summary

In March 2021, the Ever Given's grounding in the Suez Canal exposed the vulnerability of global trade routes. The canal's history dates back to ancient times, with the first attempts to build it in the 16th century. It was Ferdinand de Lesseps who, with Egyptian support, initiated the construction in 1854, which was completed in 1869. Despite initial financial struggles, the canal revolutionized global trade and marine migration. Britain took control in 1875, but Egypt nationalized it in 1956, turning it into a vital revenue source. Today, the canal handles nearly 30% of global ship traffic, highlighting its importance yet again.

Takeaways

• 🌪️ In March 2021, the Ever Given container ship was blown off course by fierce winds, leading to a global crisis by blocking the Suez Canal.
• 🌍 The Suez Canal is a crucial waterway for international trade, connecting the Indian Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea.
• 📜 Historical interest in a maritime passage dates back to the second millennium BCE for trade between Asia and the Mediterranean.
• 🏖️ Early attempts to construct the canal faced challenges such as cost, political issues, and geographical obstacles.
• 🤝 In the 19th century, multiple European powers showed interest, and Egypt's rulers gradually warmed to the idea of constructing the canal.
• 🇫🇷 French diplomat Ferdinand de Lesseps played a key role in the canal's construction, securing concessions from Egypt's Sa’id Pasha.
• 👷‍♂️ The construction involved forced labor of thousands of Egyptian workers under harsh conditions, with many casualties.
• 🏗️ The canal project was a massive undertaking, requiring the removal of 74 million cubic meters of dirt and the support of a large workforce infrastructure.
• 🏙️ The construction led to the establishment of three new cities: Port Said, Ismailia, and Port Tewfiq, each with a diverse population.
• 🚢 The Suez Canal, completed in 1869, significantly accelerated global trade and had ecological impacts by facilitating the migration of marine species.
• 💹 Financial struggles and political maneuvering resulted in Britain gaining control of the canal in 1875, before Egypt fully regained control in 1956.
• 🛃 The nationalization of the canal by President Gamal Abdel Nasser in 1956 was a turning point, establishing the canal as a major source of revenue for Egypt.
• ⚓️ Today, the Suez Canal handles nearly 30% of global ship traffic, emphasizing its importance to the world's economy.

Q & A

What event in March 2021 highlighted the importance of the Suez Canal for global trade?

In March 2021, a container ship named Ever Given got blown off course by fierce winds and blocked the Suez Canal, causing a global crisis by obstructing the flow of international trade through one of the world's most important waterways.

Why has the site of the Suez Canal been of interest since the second millennium BCE?

The site has been of interest because it provides a direct maritime passage between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, bypassing the need for traders to traverse the narrow isthmus separating the Red Sea and the Nile with camel-bound caravans through the desert.

What were the main challenges faced by the 16th-century powers attempting to construct a canal?

The main challenges faced included cost, political strife, and the ever-shifting sands that made construction difficult.

Who was Ferdinand de Lesseps and what role did he play in the construction of the Suez Canal?

Ferdinand de Lesseps was a French diplomat who was granted authority by Sa’id Pasha to establish the Suez Canal Company and finance it by selling shares to capitalists of all nations.

What were the conditions like for the Egyptian workers during the initial construction of the Suez Canal?

The conditions were harsh, with laborers working in the desert without easy access to food or water. Diseases like cholera were rampant, and workers faced the threat of whips, with thousands estimated to have died during construction.

Why did Isma’il Pasha end the coerced labor of Egyptian workers in 1864?

Isma’il Pasha ended the coerced labor due to its inhumane conditions, although he continued to press forward with the construction of the canal using foreign workers and machinery.

How did the construction of the Suez Canal lead to the development of new cities?

The massive workforce required for the construction led to the development of three new cities with multi-ethnic populations: Port Said, Ismailia, and Port Tewfiq, which provided infrastructure for the workers and supported a flourishing economy.

What was the length and width of the Suez Canal when it was officially inaugurated on November 17th, 1869?

The finished canal was 164 kilometers long with a width of 56 meters at the surface.

How did the Suez Canal impact global trade and local ecosystems after its completion?

The canal dramatically accelerated global trade and facilitated the migration of numerous marine species, which in turn dramatically changed local ecosystems and cuisine.

What significant event in 1875 affected the ownership of the Suez Canal?

In 1875, due to financial issues, Egypt was forced to sell much of its stock in the Canal Company, which allowed Britain to take over control.

When and how did Egypt regain full control of the Suez Canal?

Egypt regained full control of the Suez Canal in 1956 when it was nationalized by President Gamal Abdel Nasser, an act that sparked a military standoff with Britain, France, and Israel.

What is the significance of the Suez Canal in terms of global ship traffic today?

Today, the Suez Canal is a major route for global ship traffic, with nearly 30% of all global ship traffic passing through it, totaling over 20,000 ships in 2021.

What does the incident of the Ever Given teach us about the fragility of our manmade systems?

The incident serves as a stark reminder of how fragile our manmade systems can be, as a single ship blocking the canal can cause a global crisis and disrupt international trade.