The opening of the Suez Canal had far-reaching consequences, especially for the British. Their strategic dominance in the Mediterranean Sea no longer existed.
What worried the London Government most was that India now lay exposed beneath the gaze of France and Austria. With the Suez Canal open to navigation, the distance from both countries to India had been greatly reduced.
Do not talk such nonsense as having no ambitions or no designs on India. The real reason was that France and Austria lacked the strength and confidence to wrest India from the British.
The wealthiest colony in the world had been laid upon the dining table—who would not be tempted? The value of that single colony exceeded the combined value of the colonies held by France and Austria.
At least, that was true in this era. The potential of the African Continent had yet to reveal itself, and the importance of resources had not yet received due attention. Judging solely by the economic benefits it generated, India surpassed the entire African Continent.
It was not that John Russell suffered from persecution mania; reality simply told him that he had to remain vigilant. One moment of carelessness, and someone might overturn him.
The former hegemon, Spain, had been pulled down from its throne by them in just that way. Now it was their turn to defend the ring while others came to challenge them.
How to resolve the impact brought by the opening of the Suez Canal had become the London Government's most vexing problem.
First Lord of the Admiralty Edward warned, "France and Austria control the Suez Canal. The gate to the Indian Ocean has been thrown open to them.
"From now on, Austria's voyage to India is only half as long as ours, while France's route to India has