The Opening of the Suez Canal (1869, Mediterranean) — Questions and answers

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What important event happened on November 17, 1869?

Choices

  1. A. The Suez Canal was just starting to be built.
  2. B. Empress Eugénie sailed through the newly opened Suez Canal. ✓
  3. C. Ferdinand de Lesseps gave a big speech.
  4. D. Cannons roared to signal a big battle.

Answer: B. Empress Eugénie sailed through the newly opened Suez Canal.

From page 1

Who was the French diplomat who had the big idea for the Suez Canal?

Choices

  1. A. Sa'id Pasha
  2. B. A British leader
  3. C. Ferdinand de Lesseps ✓
  4. D. An ancient king

Answer: C. Ferdinand de Lesseps

From page 2

Why did Isma'il Pasha need to find money from European countries?

Choices

  1. A. He wanted to buy new clothes.
  2. B. The canal project was costing too much money. ✓
  3. C. He wanted to go on a long vacation.
  4. D. He wanted to give money to de Lesseps.

Answer: B. The canal project was costing too much money.

From page 3

Why did Benjamin Disraeli want to buy a part of the Suez Canal Company?

Choices

  1. A. He wanted to help Isma'il Pasha become richer.
  2. B. He thought it would help Britain get to India and make their country stronger. ✓
  3. C. He wanted to become the main engineer of the canal.
  4. D. He liked collecting shares from different companies.

Answer: B. He thought it would help Britain get to India and make their country stronger.

From page 5

Who was the special guest of honor at the Suez Canal's opening ceremony?

Choices

  1. A. Nubar Pasha, the Egyptian Prime Minister
  2. B. Ferdinand de Lesseps, the diplomat
  3. C. Empress Eugénie of France ✓
  4. D. Sir Garnet Wolseley, the British general

Answer: C. Empress Eugénie of France

From page 6

What did the Suez Canal become a symbol of for the Egyptians?

Choices

  1. A. Great wealth and happiness for all.
  2. B. An easy way for everyone to travel.
  3. C. New progress but also control by other countries. ✓
  4. D. The start of new types of ships.

Answer: C. New progress but also control by other countries.

From page 8

What is the main role of the Suez Canal today?

Choices

  1. A. It is only used for small fishing boats.
  2. B. It helps global trade and connects different continents. ✓
  3. C. It is no longer an important waterway.
  4. D. It is mainly a tourist attraction.

Answer: B. It helps global trade and connects different continents.

From page 9

What important lesson can we learn from the history of the Suez Canal?

Choices

  1. A. That building big projects is always easy and fun.
  2. B. That canals are only for very wealthy people.
  3. C. That progress can have a cost and makes us think about power and fairness. ✓
  4. D. That geography doesn't really matter in the world.

Answer: C. That progress can have a cost and makes us think about power and fairness.

From page 10