19. Great Britain maneuvered to seize control of the Suez Canal by employing dirty and clever tricks against the French.
The British government opposed the construction of the Suez Canal when it began in 1859. The British instigated rebellions and work stoppages among the workers and forced laborers to hinder the French construction. Once it was opened in 1869, they moved to seize control of the waterway. In 1875, the British government purchased 44% interest in the canal after creating the financial crisis which forced the previous owner to sell, though the French still maintained majority control. In 1882, Great Britain occupied Egypt, ostensibly to quell civil disturbances, and assumed control of the canal, though it was officially neutral territory under British “protection”.