La HISTORIA en 3 MINUTOS del CANAL de PANAMá

Summary

The Panama Canal, inaugurated on August 15, 1914, is one of the world's most important navigation routes, connecting the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. It was initially proposed by European explorers in the 16th century, with an early failed attempt by the French in the late 1800s, which resulted in thousands of deaths. The project gained new momentum when Panama gained independence in 1903, and the U.S. took control. Under American leadership, the canal was completed with the construction of artificial lakes and locks. The canal revolutionized global trade by significantly reducing travel time between the oceans.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Panama Canal is one of the most important navigation canals in the world, located at the Isthmus of Panama, linking the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
• 😀 It was inaugurated on August 15, 1914, and is considered one of the greatest engineering feats in history.
• 😀 The idea of connecting the two oceans dates back to the 16th century, as explorers sought to shorten travel times and reduce dangers like Cape Horn.
• 😀 The first serious attempt to build the canal began in the late 19th century with a French project led by Ferdinand de Lesseps, which ultimately failed due to tropical diseases and other obstacles.
• 😀 Between 1880 and 1889, around 22,000 workers died during the French project, and the canal's construction was halted after spending $234.7 million with only 40% of the work completed.
• 😀 After the failure of the French attempt, the Hay-Herran Treaty between the United States and Colombia was signed in the late 19th century, though it was rejected by the Colombian Senate.
• 😀 The rejection of the treaty led to Panama's independence in November 1903, with the support of the United States, which then gained control over the canal project.
• 😀 The U.S. signed the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty with Panama, granting control of the canal to the U.S.
• 😀 John Finley Wallace was the first U.S. engineer in charge of the canal project, but he resigned due to excessive bureaucracy, and was succeeded by John Stevens, who refocused the project.
• 😀 Stevens proposed the construction of a canal at sea level with artificial lakes and locks, which are 33.5 meters wide, 308.8 meters long, and can rise up to 18 meters high.
• 😀 After many challenges, the Panama Canal was finally completed and inaugurated for maritime traffic on August 15, 1914.

Q & A

What is the Panama Canal and why is it significant?

The Panama Canal is a vital navigational channel located at the Isthmus of Panama, connecting the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. It significantly reduces travel time for maritime routes and is considered one of the greatest engineering feats in history.

When was the Panama Canal inaugurated?

The Panama Canal was inaugurated on August 15, 1914.

What was the original reason behind the construction of the Panama Canal?

The original reason was to connect the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, thus shortening the travel time for ships and reducing the dangers of navigating through longer routes, such as around the southern tip of South America (Cape Horn).

Who first attempted the construction of the Panama Canal and when?

The first significant attempt to construct the Panama Canal was made by the French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps in the late 19th century, specifically around 1888.

What challenges did the French project face during its construction attempt?

The French project faced severe challenges, including the spread of tropical diseases, particularly malaria and yellow fever, which resulted in the death of approximately 22,000 workers.

What happened after the French attempt to build the Panama Canal failed?

After the French attempt failed, the project was abandoned, having spent about $234.7 million and making minimal progress, only completing about two-fifths of the planned canal.

How did Panama gain control over the canal after its independence?

Panama gained control of the canal after its independence from Colombia in 1903, following a rebellion supported by the United States. The new Panamanian government signed the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty, which granted the U.S. control over the construction and operation of the canal.

Who led the American effort in completing the Panama Canal?

The American effort was initially led by engineer John Finley Wallace, who was later replaced by George W. Goethals after Wallace's resignation due to bureaucratic issues.

What was the engineering design of the completed Panama Canal?

The Panama Canal was designed with a system of artificial lakes and locks. The locks measure 33.5 meters in width and 300.8 meters in length, with a height variation of up to 18 meters to allow ships to pass through.

How long did it take for the Panama Canal to be completed?

It took about a decade for the Panama Canal to be completed, with its final inauguration taking place on August 15, 1914.