Panama Canal PLEASE take notes

The Panama Canal Quick Way to cross across Atlantic and Pacific

The French Originally had land grant After Millions of dollars and 20,000 men killed they gave up

What’s Columbia’s Problem Columbia gained control of Panama in the late 1800s –says “NO!” to US building canal US power—helped Panama break free from Columbian rule = Panama gave US control of canal for $10 million

Teddy Roosevelt Theodore Roosevelt oversaw the building of the Panama Canal

Building the canal

A Dangerous Occupation During the 2 stages of building the canal (French & American) over 25,000 men lot their lives. It is said that 500 lives were lost for every mile of the canal –Most died during the French period from disease – Malaria Majority of the victims were black men from the West Indies

Open for business After 10 years 70,000 people worked on the project $400 million 5,600 deaths during American Period Panama Canal officially opened on August 15, 1914

How it Works

Let’s talk about MONEY TODAYS FIGURES Tolls EVERY ship pays a toll to pass through the canal based on size The average toll is $45,000

Tons of Issues from Panama did not like –Being split down the middle –Having the US in control of the canal –They wanted more money from the tolls –Threaten invasion to retake canal

The Canal Today 1977 – President Carter signs treaty to start process of handing over the Canal to Panama 1999 – Panama gains complete control of the Canal