History
http://www.canalmuseum.com/photos/panamacanalphoto042.htm
In the 1880's the
French attempted to dredge a sea-level canal through the jungle of Panama.
However, the immense heat and rain brought insects and disease. After 20,000
people died and 300 million dollars were spent, the canal was left unfinished.
Not long after, the United States took interest in completing the project and helped Panama gain independence from Colombia in 1903. A year later, the construction of the Panama Canal began with a new design of a lock-and-lake type canal. The design followed the natural elevation of the land. Sanitation and pesticides played a key role in the completion of the canal in 1914. The Panama Canal connects the Gulf of Panama, in the Pacific Ocean, with the Carribean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
Not long after, the United States took interest in completing the project and helped Panama gain independence from Colombia in 1903. A year later, the construction of the Panama Canal began with a new design of a lock-and-lake type canal. The design followed the natural elevation of the land. Sanitation and pesticides played a key role in the completion of the canal in 1914. The Panama Canal connects the Gulf of Panama, in the Pacific Ocean, with the Carribean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
