A new concept that became popular with department stores was using credit cards, and buying on credit: it allowed the users t posses good they cannot afford and on the other hand gave more revenue to the shops and they could charge interest.
Hey, politics aside just look at the statistical bureau, we are one of the heavily taxed countries. Statistics over opinions, of course
Because it is situation right on the cusp of Africa and the Middle East, had resources, and possibly the greatest benefit of all which was the Suez Canal. This would be crucial as with British and French interests in Asia and Africa meant that it's trading vessels could travel through it instead of going around the Horn of Africa
Because they needed water duh
