Chapter 4, Subsequent Impact

The opening of the Suez Canal had profound implications, especially for the British, whose strategic sovereignty in the Mediterranean ceased to exist.

What most troubled the London Government was that India was now under the watchful eyes of France and Austria, and with the opening of the Suez Canal, the distance to India had been significantly reduced for both countries.

Let's not speak foolishly of having no ambitions; the only reason France and Austria did not entertain the idea of seizing India is that the two countries lacked the strength to snatch it from the British.

The wealthiest colony in the world was laid out on the table—who wouldn't be tempted? The value of this single colony exceeded the total of all the colonies of France and Austria.

At least in this era, it was so. Africa's potential had not yet been revealed, and the importance of its resources had not been recognized. Looking purely at economic benefits, one India outweighed the entire African Continent.