Panama Canal

What is it?

• Preview: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/trailer/panama-trailer/ • Locks?:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/bonus-video/panama-locks/ • Real footage:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/bonus-video/panama-travel/

Panama Canal – Why?

• New York to San Francisco• 68 days 16,000 miles or 20 days 6,500 miles???• Hmmm…Which one is better for business and

military strength?

• The Isthmus of Panama is the narrowest part

Problems – Getting the land

• Colombia owns that land and US can’t agree on terms to obtain the land• President Roosevelt makes a deal with Panamanian rebels• Helps them gain independence from Colombia• Panama is recognized by the US and is given complete control of a 10

mile strip “The Panama Canal Zone”

Problems – Construction (1903-1914)• Takes over 10 years to build, $400 million, thousands die• Dr. Walter Reed discovers yellow fever is spread by mosquitoes• Dr. William Gorgas orders all swamps drained, vegetation cut &

everything sprayed in oil to prevent mosquitoes