Company that built it was French/Egyptian owned, it was started in 1859 at a cost $100 million.
Ownership switched to the Egyptian government when it opened in 1869.
Huge debt forced the Egyptians to sell the Canal to the British in 1875; giving them a monopoly.
An international convention in 1888 made the Canal available to ships from any country.
1936 British stationed soldiers around the Canal.
1951 Egypt states it will eject Britain and take control.
1952
Tension between British and Egyptians over the ownership of the Canal, leading to many deaths, martial law declared by British.
Military Coup disposes the King from control.
1954
General Nasser takes complete control of Egypt.
Egypt and Britain signed 7 year deal; withdrawing British soldiers.
1956
Canal nationalized to help Egyptian government pay for the building of the Aswan Dam (with Soviet Union help).
Suez Crisis- Israel invaded Egypt with British and French help to get control of the Canal, but Egypt sunk 40 ships to block the Canal’s use.
United Nations agreement reopened the Canal but it would close several more times in the 1960s and 1970s due to wars with Israel.