Which entity provided funding for the construction of the Suez canal?

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By Caroline Lascom

Financing the Suez Canal

The Suez Canal, one of the world’s most important waterways, connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, providing a shortcut for ships traveling between Europe and Asia. It was the brainchild of Ferdinand de Lesseps, a French diplomat and entrepreneur, who envisioned a canal that would reduce travel time, cost, and distance between the two continents. However, building the Suez Canal was a massive undertaking that required a significant financial investment. In this article, we explore the entities that provided funding for the construction of the Suez Canal.

Ferdinand de Lesseps: The Mastermind

Ferdinand de Lesseps was the driving force behind the construction of the Suez Canal. He saw a vision of a navigable waterway cutting through the Isthmus of Suez, and he was determined to make it a reality. Lesseps’ initial proposal was to build a canal that would be entirely owned and financed by the French government. However, this idea was rejected, and he had to look for alternative financing options.

Early Attempts at Financing

In the early stages of planning, Lesseps tried to secure funding from various sources, including the French government, private investors, and foreign governments. However, these attempts were not successful, and Lesseps had to look for other ways to raise money.

The French Connection: A Shareholders’ Company

Lesseps eventually formed a shareholders’ company in France to finance the construction of the canal. The company was called the Compagnie universelle du canal maritime de Suez (Universal Company of the Maritime Suez Canal). It was established in 1858 and had a capital of 200 million francs, divided into 400,000 shares.

The Khedive’s Involvement: Bonds and Loans

The Khedive of Egypt, Said Pasha, was also interested in the construction of the canal. He agreed to provide financial support in the form of bonds and loans. The Khedive’s contribution was significant, and without it, the construction of the canal would not have been possible.

Britain’s Interest: Purchasing the Khedive’s Shares

Britain was one of the major beneficiaries of the Suez Canal, as it significantly cut down on the travel time and distance between Europe and Asia. Therefore, the British government was keen on investing in the canal. In 1875, the British government purchased the Khedive’s shares in the canal, acquiring a controlling interest in the company.

The Suez Canal Company Takes over Financing

After the British government purchased the Khedive’s shares, the Suez Canal Company took over the financing of the canal. The company was responsible for the management and operation of the canal, as well as the collection of tolls from ships passing through it.

The Universal Suez Ship Canal Company

In 1956, the Universal Suez Ship Canal Company was formed to take over the management and operation of the canal after it was nationalized by the Egyptian government. The company was owned jointly by Egypt, France, and Britain, reflecting the international character of the canal’s financing.

The International Character of Financing

The financing of the Suez Canal was truly international, involving investors from various countries. The canal was built with French capital, Egyptian loans, British investment, and international shareholder participation. It was a testament to the spirit of cooperation and partnership among nations.

The Legacy of Financing the Suez Canal

The financing of the Suez Canal was a historic partnership that brought together various countries and investors. The canal was a crucial link in the global economy, facilitating trade and commerce between Europe and Asia. The legacy of its financing continues to inspire international partnerships and cooperation.

Conclusion: An Historic Funding Partnership

In conclusion, the financing of the Suez Canal was a partnership that involved various entities and investors from different countries. It was a testament to the power of collaboration and cooperation in achieving a common goal. The Suez Canal remains a vital waterway, connecting the east and west, and its financing will always be remembered as a historic partnership.

References and Further Reading

  • The Suez Canal: Its History and Diplomatic Importance by William L. Langer and S. Everett Gleason, 1953
  • The Suez Canal: A Political History by Laleh Khalili, 2018
  • Ferdinand de Lesseps and the Suez Canal by Derek Varble, 2015
  • The Suez Canal: A Century of Change in Maritime Trade by David Nicolle, 2005
Photo of author

Caroline Lascom

Caroline is a seasoned travel writer and editor, passionate about exploring the world. She currently edits captivating travel content at TravelAsker, having previously contributed her exceptional skills to well-known travel guidebooks like Frommer’s, Rough Guides, Footprint, and Fodor’s. Caroline holds a bachelor's degree in Latin American studies from Manchester University (UK) and a master's degree in literature from Northwestern University. Having traveled to 67 countries, her journeys have fueled her love for storytelling and sharing the world's wonders.

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