The Suez Canal was in Egyptian territory and it was the only way between Africa and Asia. The canal instantly became strategically important because it provided the shortest trip between the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean without having to travel all the way around Africa. The canal helped with trade between nations and particularly helped European powers to gain and govern their colonies. In 1956, despite American resistance, Britain, France and Israel launched attacks on Egypt to attempt to gain control of the Suez Canal. The world appeared to be on the edge of war once again.

         At this time, Lester Pearson was Canada’s secretary of External Affairs and also helped run the United Nations. Pearson spent months trying to find a good solution to the Suez Canal Crisis. Bombing in Egypt outburst and Pearson was forced to change his original methods. Pearson developed the idea of the UN’s first large-scale peacekeeping force in Egypt. Pearson then arranged a cease-fire or truce between Britain, France and Israel and Egypt. This began on November 7, 1956 and the United Nations peacekeepers eventually entered the canal area to allow for the United Nations force to remain in the area, stabilizing the situation. Pearson’s solution allowing Britain, France and Israel to remove their forces without looking like they had been defeated was brilliant in my eyes. Pearson's actions showed the rest of the world that Canada's position as a mediator and middle power could be put to good use.