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In the Beginning
it at was at first the French's idea of building the Canal, but it was put on the shelf and was never done. Theodore Roosevelt, in 1901, was the first to declare that the most important thing Central America needed was a canal; militarily and commercially. They acquired the Panama Canal project from the French for $40 million. "The Building of the Panama Canal." American History USA. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Dec. 2016. -
Purchase of Panama
Panama was a province of Columbia. At this time, Roosevelt offers Columbia 10 million dollars in cash and a 250,000 yearly rent. He was very impatient because he did not want to loose his bargaining. Many dislikes this idea, but Roosevelt chooses to hold onto his offer. We needed the canal because it was a good and obvious way to link together North and South America. It was an easier and safer way for ships to sail east from the California Coast. -
Panama Revolts
At this time, a revolt had begun. In the harbor their were gunboats that waited who helped and supported the rebels on their side. Along side these gunboats, there were U.S. Marines. -
French Signs treaty for America
The French signed the treaty to get Panama in our control. After, the U.S. had permanent control over Panama. Across the Isthmus of Panama was a 10 mile wide zone. America wanted to pay 10 million dollars and 250,000 in rent per year. Once they got this land they have been looking for for so long, Roosevelt said, "make the dirt fly." -
The Outbreak of Disease
Once this project on the Panama Canal was started, disease, such as malaria and yellow disease, was the number one problem in the area. William C. Gorges makes a plan to clear bushes and drain swamps. These mosquitoes carried these diseases, and this all was to be cleared before working on the canal. -
A New Start
President went to check out how the buildings were going along. He stayed for 17 days. This was the first time a president went out of the country. He wanted to improve health care and better working conditions. This set the project even more. He also worked on the project to help move along faster. http://www.history.com/ -
The Canal Begins
By this time, they had cleared diseases and reduced malaria. this project had three major tasks: cut through mountain, build a dam for the river, and build giant locks. Men worked day after day through the hot sun and storms. Mud slides would often happen, and more than 20,000 men lost lives. -
The Mexicans Cross Over
Wilson sent his navy to Mexico and they killed over 100 Mexicans. South American nations sent peace folks. Fransisco Villa went to a town called Columbus and killed 18 Americans, although, he was never caught. They went to Texas border for 11 months and never found him once. -
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