Step-by-step explanation:
The Suez Canal transformed transportation among three continents. In a few short years of operation, it became the dominant route between European powers and their colonies in Asia and East Africa. When the Suez Canal opened in 1869, the main seaborne path to Asia required a long, dangerous, and tedious voyage around the Cape of Good Hope. Though all naval powers would benefit from the expedient new route, one country in particular had significant potential for the advancement of its interests through the planned waterway.
Britain stood to gain much from the construction of the Suez Canal. Most notably, the canal would enhance the Empire’s relationship with its greatest imperial prize: India. By dramatically reducing the travel time and distance between Britain and the subcontinent, the waterway would allow Britain to further pursue its main economic and strategic interests in that region. Despite these potential advantages of the Suez Canal for Britain, the Empire opposed the development of the canal for over a decade after Said Pasha, then Viceroy of Egypt, granted the concession for its construction in 1854. Given the beneficial circumstances for Britain, why did the Empire pursue its original policy of obstruction for such a prolonged period? And what led Britain to reverse its position, ultimately usurping the canal?