jul 1, 1869 - Suez Canal is Completed

Description:

The Suez Canal was opened on this day and was considered the "lifeline of the British Empire" because it provided a sea route from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. The canal had been paid for by French interest groups though it had been worked by Egyptians. The Suez Canal and other modernization efforts in Egypt were very expensive causing the British to oversee financial control allowing them to occupy Egypt in 1882.

Added to timeline:

Date: