How the Suez Canal changed the world - Lucia Carminati

How the Suez Canal changed the world

• In March 2021, strong winds caused a container ship to veer off course.

• In most places, this would have resulted in a minor accident.

• But in the Suez Canal, it caused a global crisis.

• The ship not only blocked other vessels but also disrupted international trade through one of the world's busiest maritime passages.

"But in the Suez Canal, it caused a global crisis."

Historical significance of the Suez Canal

• The site of the Suez Canal has been of interest to rulers of the region since the second millennium BCE.

• It was a crucial route for transporting goods between Asia and the Mediterranean Sea.

• Merchants had to navigate the narrow barrier separating the Red Sea and the Nile, traveling in caravans of interconnected camels through the harsh desert.

"The site of the Suez Canal has been of interest to rulers of the region since the second millennium BCE."

Failed attempts at construction

• Multiple powers in the 16th century attempted to build a canal, but their plans were hindered by the high cost, political conflicts, and constantly shifting sands.

• In 1798, interest in building the canal was renewed, attracting attention from all over Europe.

• For decades, individuals from Austria, Italy, Britain, and France presented their plans to the rulers of Egypt.

"For decades, individuals from Austria, Italy, Britain, and France presented their plans to the rulers of Egypt."

Ferdinand de Lesseps and the construction plan

• In 1854, with the ascent of Said Pasha to power, he agreed to a plan proposed by the adventurous and cunning French diplomat Ferdinand de Lesseps.

• Through agreements signed in 1854 and 1856, de Lesseps was granted privileges to establish the Suez Canal Company and finance its construction through the sale of shares to capitalists from all countries.

"Through agreements signed in 1854 and 1856, de Lesseps was granted privileges to establish the Suez Canal Company and finance its construction."

Labor force and challenges during construction

• The contracts between Said Pasha and the Canal Company ensured the availability of a labor force consisting of hundreds of thousands of Egyptian workers.

• From 1862 onwards, approximately 20,000 workers were forcibly recruited each month, digging the canal in harsh desert conditions without easy access to food or water.

• Diseases such as cholera spread, and the workers toiled under the threat of whips.

"From 1862 onwards, approximately 20,000 workers were forcibly recruited each month, digging the canal in harsh desert conditions without easy access to food or water."

Completion of the canal

• After years of labor, the waters of the two seas finally began to merge in the mid-19th century.

• The completed canal was 164 kilometers long, with a surface width of 56 meters, and it officially opened on November 17, 1869.

• While the canal faced financial struggles in its early years, it ultimately greatly accelerated global trade.

"While the canal faced financial struggles in its early years, it ultimately greatly accelerated global trade."

"The completed canal was 164 kilometers long, with a surface width of 56 meters."

Impact on the environment and local ecosystems

• The construction of the Suez Canal led to significant changes in local ecosystems and food sources.

• The increase in ship traffic over the decades had a substantial impact.

"The construction of the Suez Canal led to significant changes in local ecosystems and food sources."

Financial troubles and British control

• In 1875, Egypt faced financial problems and was forced to sell a large portion of its shares in the Suez Canal company.

• This allowed Britain to gain control over the canal.

"In 1875, Egypt faced financial problems and was forced to sell a large portion of its shares in the Suez Canal company, allowing Britain to gain control over the canal."

Nationalization and military confrontation

• In 1956, the Suez Canal was fully nationalized by President Gamal Abdel Nasser.

• This led to a military confrontation between Egypt, Britain, France, and Israel.

• The situation was eventually resolved, and the canal became a major source of national revenue for Egypt.

"In 1956, the Suez Canal was fully nationalized by President Gamal Abdel Nasser, leading to a military confrontation between Egypt, Britain, France, and Israel. The canal eventually became a major source of national revenue for Egypt."

Current importance and vulnerability

• Today, nearly 30% of global ship traffic passes through the Suez Canal.

• In 2021 alone, over 20,000 ships transited through the canal.

• However, incidents like the Ever Given serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of our man-made systems.

"Today, nearly 30% of global ship traffic passes through the Suez Canal, with over 20,000 ships transiting through the canal in 2021. Incidents like the Ever Given serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of our man-made systems."