The Suez Canal

• What is the focus of the discussion in the video regarding the British Empire?


  The expansion of the British Empire in Africa
• How is the Suez Canal related to the British Empire's expansion in Africa?


  It facilitated international shipping and trade relations
• Who was the French individual responsible for obtaining a concession to create the Suez Canal?

  Ferdinand de Lesseps
• What was the purpose of the Suez Canal as established by Ferdinand de Lesseps?


  To create a canal for international shipping
• Why was the Suez Canal significant for international shipping before its construction?


  Shipping had to go around Africa, increasing costs and time
• What was the impact of the Suez Canal on trade relations with Asia?


  It significantly reduced the time to reach Asia
• When was the Suez Canal construction completed?


  1869
• What was the duration of the mandate given to the Suez Canal Company to operate the canal?

  99 years
• What was the initial attitude of the British towards investing in the Suez Canal Company?


  They were hesitant to invest
• What led to the British interest in purchasing shares of the Suez Canal Company in 1875?


  The Egyptian administration was facing increasing debt
• Who was the British Prime Minister that purchased shares in the Suez Canal Company?

  Benjamin Disraeli
• Why was the purchase of shares in the Suez Canal Company seen negatively by the British people?

  It was a significant use of taxpayer money
• How did the British control of the Suez Canal influence their interests in Egypt?


  It increased British interests in Egypt significantly
• What economic situation in the United States influenced British colonial ambitions towards Africa?

  The closing down of economic relations during the Civil War
• What happened to Ismael Pasha in 1879?


  He was deposed by the Ottoman Sultan
• What was one reason for Ismael Pasha's deposition?


  Economic mismanagement
• What was the time frame for the construction of the Suez Canal?

  1859 to 1869
• What was the relationship between the Suez Canal and the Ottoman Empire?


  The canal was constructed in territory that was part of the Ottoman Empire
• How did the Suez Canal affect the British Empire's trade routes to India?


  It allowed for better control over trade routes to India
• What was the significance of the Suez Canal in the context of global shipping?


  It became one of the most influential shipping lanes in the world
• What was the initial construction company for the Suez Canal?

  The Suez Canal Company
• What was the impact of the Suez Canal on international shipping costs?


  It significantly reduced shipping costs
• How did the Suez Canal influence European colonial interests in Africa?


  It shifted focus towards Africa for colonization
• What was the role of the Ottoman Sultan in the context of Ismael Pasha's rule?


  The Ottoman Sultan deposed Ismael Pasha due to mismanagement
• What was the main reason for the British Empire's interest in the Suez Canal?


  Control over a crucial shipping route
• How did the Suez Canal change the dynamics of international trade?

  It allowed for faster and cheaper trade routes
• What were the long-term implications of British control over the Suez Canal?


  It solidified British influence in Egypt and the region
• What was a significant factor that led to a lack of colonial ambition in the Americas?

  The closing down of economic relations with the US during the Civil War
• Why did countries start turning to Africa for colonization?


  Due to the lack of colonial ambition in the Americas and the closing of economic relations with the US
• In what year did British control in Egypt begin to develop significantly?

  1879
• Who was deposed by the Ottoman Sultan in 1879?


  Ismael Pasha
• What financial situation did Ismael Pasha face in 1875?


  He was in debt
• Why was Benjamin Disraeli able to acquire shares in the Suez Canal Company?


  Because Ismael Pasha had to sell shares to balance his debt
• Who became the new Khedive of Egypt after Ismael Pasha?

  Tuig
• What role did the French and British play in Tuig's rise to power?


  They provided financial support for his installation
• How did Tuig's leadership affect British control in Egypt?


  He became a puppet leader, increasing British influence
• Why was control over Egypt economically significant for the British?


  Control over Egypt meant control over the Suez Canal
• What was one economic benefit of controlling the Suez Canal?


  Charging others for its use
• What taxation policy did the British impose in Egypt?


  Taxation on Egyptian food and goods
• By what fraction was the Egyptian Army reduced under British control?

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