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Linking the Oceans
In order for the UNited States to trade with foreign countries such as China, they had to sail down and around South America. President Roosevelt thought that if we could build a canal through Panama, we could travel faster to those foreign countries.So President Roosevelt tried to buy Panama. Panama was a province of Columbia. Roosevelt offored Columbia $10 million in cash and $250,000 yearlyin rent to alllow the U.S. to build a canal through Panama. -
Revolt in panama
A revolt took place. U.S. Gunboats waited in the harbor to provide support for the rebels. U.S. Marines landed in Colón tp prevent hostile Columbian troops from reaching Panama City. The U.S. immediatly recognozed the Republic of Panama. -
Peace in Panama
A Frenchman acting for Panama, signed a treaty giving the U.S. permanent use and control of a 10-mile-wide zone accross the Isthmus of Panama. The U.S. aggreed to pay $10 million plus $250,000 a year in rent. -
Construction of canal begins.
The U.S. governemt began to build a canal through Panama. President was in a big hurry to get the canal built. He urged engineers to "Make Dirt Fly!" There were many problems though, mud slides were common and also diseases. -
Construction of the canal.
Workers had to cut through a HUGE mountain, dam a river, and erect the canal's massive locks. The most challenging job was digging the Gaillard Cut, a 9-mile ditch through the mountains. A problem that was constant while digging were mudslides. 6,000 workers, and more lost their lives during the construction of the canal. -
Disease in Panama
Two disease that were widespread in Panama were Malaria, and Yellow Fever. These diseases kept major work from being done on the canal. William C. Gorgas, decided to take up the problem. Carlos Juan Finlay, discovered that yellow fever was transmitted through a certain kind of mosquito. Ronald Ross, found that another type of mosquito transmitted Malaria. Gorges directeed that workers clear brush, and drain swamps where mosquitos lived. -
Panama Canal Opens
The Panama was officially opened. This passage now connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
