17 November 1869
Suez Canal

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The Suez Canal opens, linking the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea. It has been built by the Egyptians and the French and they own it jointly. It quickly becomes a major international shipping route, and vitally important for Britain's interests in India.

In 1875 Prime Minister Disraeli buys the Egyptian ruler's 44% share in the canal, giving Britain the controlling interest (see Further afield). In 1882, when violent unrest in Egypt leads to fear for the security of the canal, Britain invades. Withdrawal proves impossible and British troops occupy Egypt for the next 40 years. In 1888, in an attempt to rebuild the Egyptian economy and improve tense relations with other European powers, Britain agrees a treaty opening the canal to ships of all nations, in peace and in war.

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