The impact of Geographic factors on major events TAKS Objective 2 The impact of Geographic factors on major events

The Panama Canal Shorter route Spanish-American War Made us realize that we needed a shorter route between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Central American canal Would make global shipping quicker, easier, and cheaper. California Gold Rush in 1849. Also allow quicker ocean to ocean travel during a war.

Panama Canal Buying the land Spooner Act Panama was a colony of Columbia In 1879, the French purchased a 25 year concession on the land to build a canal France abandoned it after 10 years due mostly to yellow fever France sold the remaining 2 years to the US for $40 million Spooner Act Passed in 1902 and authorized the purchase Required them to negotiate a treaty with Columbia Negotiations went no where Columbia was holding out until the concession expired Wanted to sell it themselves for a higher price.

Panama Canal Independence Building the Canal Roosevelt told the French that if they wanted to organize a revolution in Panama, the US wouldn’t interfere. Revolt started in Nov. 1903 US recognized Panama as an independent nation Became the protector of Panama Panama gave us a 10 mile wide strip of land in return Building the Canal The canal was started in 1904 and finished in 1914. Built by several men from several different nations Construction involved overcoming rocky and unstable terrain and mosquito infested swamps 5,000+ workers died from diseases and accidents However, the Isthmus of Panama was a perfect location because it is the narrowest portion of Central America.

Panama Canal Locks Changing water level along the canal Allows water to raise or lower to equal water level in the next section of the canal