The Panama Canal

The Panama Canal

How do you get from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean? A Canal!!!

The French…•1880s – French began a canal

•After 10 years, they abandoned the project

•20,000 deaths•$280 million

US steps in…•1901 John Hay talks w/ Columbia

•1903 treaty drafted–Columbia got $250,000 yearly & $10 million up front

–US got 99 year lease on 6-mile strip of land

Columbian Senate

•Columbian Senate holds out for better terms

•T. Roosevelt was angry and withdrew treaty

Meanwhile…•A revolution is brewing in Panama against Columbia

•Philippe Bunau-Varilla

Rebellion•Nov 3, 1903 rebels set up new government

•US recognizes the government at once

Back to the Canal

Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty gave US complete, unending sovereignty over a 10-mile-wide canal zone

Construction Timeline

1904 work begins–Laborers face harsh conditions and shortages of workers and materials

1905 –Outbreak!!

Mosquitoes led to the spread of yellow fever and malaria

1906 Yellow Fever almost eliminated

1913Malaria under control

Construction Continues

Canal Finished!

1914 SS Ancon

How does it work?