Question

Why was the Suez Canal so important to the

British?
It gave them a shortcut to India.
It helped them conquer more of Africa.
It gave them an excuse to take over Egypt.

Answer 1

The Suez Canal was important to the British for its role as a shortcut to India, expanding control in Africa, and as an excuse to occupy Egypt.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Suez Canal was important to the British for multiple reasons.

Firstly, it gave them a shortcut to India. The canal provided a direct maritime route from the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean, significantly reducing travel time and costs for British ships.

Secondly, the canal helped in expanding British control in Africa. The British saw the canal as a strategic asset that facilitated their access to and control over their African colonies.

Lastly, the British used the presence of the canal as an excuse to occupy Egypt. They argued that the canal's security was crucial for their colonial interests, which eventually led to their occupation of Egypt in 1882.

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