In March 2021, a massive container ship called the Ever Given got stuck in the Suez Canal due to strong winds. Normally, a ship going off course wouldn’t be a big deal, but because this happened in the Suez Canal, it turned into a worldwide crisis. The ship blocked other vessels and disrupted international trade through one of the most crucial waterways on the planet.
The idea of a canal in this region isn’t new. As far back as the second millennium BCE, rulers were interested in creating a shortcut for transporting goods between Asia and the Mediterranean. Back then, traders had to cross the narrow strip of land between the Red Sea and the Nile, often using camel caravans through the harsh desert. A canal would make this journey much easier. Despite attempts in the 16th century, challenges like high costs, political issues, and shifting sands stopped any progress.
In 1798, the idea of building a canal gained traction again, drawing interest from across Europe. Over the next few decades, people from Austria, Italy, Britain, and France proposed plans to Egypt’s rulers. At that time, Egypt was part of the Ottoman Empire, which wasn’t keen on the idea. However, as Egypt gained more political and economic independence, its leaders became more open to the project.
When Sa’id Pasha became the ruler in 1854, he approved a plan by French diplomat Ferdinand de Lesseps. By 1856, de Lesseps had the authority to form the Suez Canal Company and raise funds by selling shares globally. The project promised a workforce of hundreds of thousands of Egyptian laborers. Starting in 1862, about 20,000 workers were recruited each month to dig the canal under tough desert conditions, often lacking food and water. Diseases like cholera were common, and the workers faced severe hardships.
In 1864, Isma’il Pasha, the new Egyptian ruler, ended the forced labor but continued the construction. Workers from Europe and the Middle East joined in, using dredgers and excavators to remove 74 million cubic meters of earth. This massive workforce needed infrastructure for drinking water and supplies, leading to a booming economy of restaurants and services. Three new cities emerged: Port Said on the northern shore, Ismailia in the middle, and Port Tewfiq at the southern end.
The canal bypassed the Nile and connected Port Said to Suez. After years of hard work, the two seas finally merged in the mid-1860s. The canal, 164 kilometers long and 56 meters wide at the surface, officially opened on November 17, 1869. Although it initially faced financial challenges, the canal greatly sped up global trade and even changed local ecosystems and cuisine by allowing marine species to migrate.
Over the years, traffic through the canal increased. However, in 1875, Egypt faced financial troubles and had to sell much of its stock in the Canal Company, allowing Britain to take control. It wasn’t until 1956 that Egypt regained full control when President Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalized the canal. This led to a military standoff with Britain, France, and Israel. Once resolved, the canal became a major source of revenue for Egypt and reshaped its imperial legacy.
Today, nearly 30% of all global ship traffic passes through the Suez Canal, with over 20,000 ships in 2021. The Ever Given incident serves as a stark reminder of how fragile our manmade systems can be.
Research the various historical attempts to build a canal in the region before the successful construction of the Suez Canal. Create a presentation that highlights the challenges faced during these attempts and how they were eventually overcome. Share your findings with the class.
Participate in a class debate on the nationalization of the Suez Canal by President Gamal Abdel Nasser in 1956. Prepare arguments for and against the nationalization, considering its impact on Egypt and international relations. Engage with your peers to explore different perspectives.
Using a blank map, trace the route of the Suez Canal from Port Said to Suez. Label key locations such as Ismailia and Port Tewfiq. Discuss the geographical significance of the canal’s location and how it connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea.
Write a short story or diary entry from the perspective of a worker involved in the construction of the Suez Canal in the 1860s. Include details about the working conditions, challenges faced, and the impact of the canal on their life and community.
Engage in a simulation activity where you analyze the global impact of the Ever Given incident. Work in groups to represent different stakeholders such as shipping companies, local businesses, and governments. Discuss how the blockage affected international trade and propose solutions to prevent future incidents.
In March 2021, strong winds caused a container ship to veer off course. In most locations, this would have resulted in a minor incident. However, in the Suez Canal, it became a global crisis. This vessel was not only blocking other ships but also obstructing the flow of international trade through one of the world’s most significant waterways.
The Suez Canal has been of interest to rulers in the region since the second millennium BCE. To transport goods between Asia and the Mediterranean basin, traders had to navigate the narrow isthmus separating the Red Sea and the Nile, often traveling in camel caravans through the harsh desert. A maritime route connecting the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea would eliminate this arduous journey. Throughout the 16th century, various powers attempted to construct such a canal, but their efforts were hindered by costs, political conflicts, and shifting sands.
In 1798, interest in building a canal was renewed, attracting attention from across Europe. Over the following decades, individuals from Austria, Italy, Britain, and France presented their plans to Egypt’s rulers. At that time, Egypt was part of the Ottoman Empire, which was resistant to these proposals. However, Egypt’s political and economic autonomy was gradually increasing, and its government was eager to pursue the project.
When Sa’id Pasha came to power in 1854, he approved a plan from the French diplomat Ferdinand de Lesseps. Signed in 1854 and 1856, a pair of concessions granted de Lesseps the authority to establish the Suez Canal Company and finance it by selling shares to investors worldwide. The contracts also promised a workforce of hundreds of thousands of Egyptian workers. Beginning in 1862, about 20,000 laborers were recruited each month to dig the canal under harsh desert conditions, often without easy access to food or water. Diseases like cholera were rampant, and workers faced severe conditions.
In 1864, the new Egyptian ruler, Isma’il Pasha, ended the forced labor of Egyptian workers but continued with construction. Foreign workers from Europe and the Middle East worked alongside dredgers and excavators to remove 74 million cubic meters of earth. This large workforce required infrastructure to provide drinking water and other supplies, leading to the development of a thriving economy of restaurants and other services. Three new cities emerged with diverse populations: Port Said on the northern Mediterranean shore, Ismailia in the canal’s middle section, and Port Tewfiq at the southern end.
The construction site bypassed the Nile and connected Port Said to Suez. After years of work, the two seas finally began to merge in the mid-1860s. The completed canal was 164 kilometers long and 56 meters wide at the surface, officially inaugurated on November 17, 1869. Although it faced financial struggles in its early years, the canal significantly accelerated global trade and facilitated the migration of various marine species, altering local ecosystems and cuisine.
Over the decades, traffic through the canal increased. However, in 1875, financial difficulties forced Egypt to sell much of its stock in the Canal Company, allowing Britain to take control. It wasn’t until 1956 that control of the canal fully returned to Egypt when it was nationalized by President Gamal Abdel Nasser. This decision led to a military standoff between Egypt and Britain, France, and Israel. Once resolved, it transformed the canal into a major source of national revenue for Egypt and helped reshape its imperial legacy.
Today, nearly 30% of all global ship traffic passes through the Suez Canal, totaling over 20,000 ships in 2021. However, the incident involving the Ever Given serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of our manmade systems.
Suez – A city in northeastern Egypt, located at the southern end of the Suez Canal, which connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. – The city of Suez played a crucial role in the development of maritime trade routes between Europe and Asia.
Canal – A man-made waterway constructed to allow the passage of boats or ships inland or to convey water for irrigation. – The construction of the Panama Canal significantly reduced travel time for ships between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Egypt – A country in northeastern Africa known for its ancient civilization and monumental architecture, such as the pyramids and the Sphinx. – Ancient Egypt was one of the world’s earliest and most influential civilizations, known for its advances in writing, architecture, and governance.
Trade – The exchange of goods and services between people or entities, often across international borders. – The Silk Road was an ancient network of trade routes that connected the East and West, facilitating the exchange of goods and culture.
Construction – The process of building or assembling infrastructure, often involving large-scale projects like bridges, roads, and buildings. – The construction of the Great Wall of China was a monumental task that spanned several dynasties and required immense resources and labor.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs, often focusing on the development of civilizations and cultures. – The history of the Roman Empire provides valuable insights into the governance, culture, and military strategies of ancient Rome.
Empire – A group of states or territories controlled by a single sovereign authority, often an emperor or empress. – The British Empire was once the largest empire in history, with colonies and territories spanning across the globe.
Labor – The human effort, both physical and mental, used in the production of goods and services. – The Industrial Revolution dramatically changed the nature of labor, shifting from agrarian work to factory-based production.
Traffic – The movement of ships, vehicles, or people along routes, often referring to the flow and regulation of such movement. – The Suez Canal is a critical chokepoint for maritime traffic, with thousands of vessels passing through each year.
Economy – The system of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services within a society or geographic area. – The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the Middle East, leading to rapid development and modernization.
