Panama Canal Why is it Important?

From the time Christopher Columbus discovered the new world and Vasco Nunez de Balboa first sighted the Pacific Ocean, nations around the globe envisioned severing the American continents to create a shorter route between East and West. http://panamacanalmuseum.org/index.php

What is a canal? : an artificial waterway for navigation or for draining or irrigating land. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2009

Benefits and Key Facts Shorter Trip from Atlantic to Pacific Allows Boats to travel Lower Cost & Time Produce gets to market sooner 51 Miles Panama – Central America Safer / Less Storms

Bill Nye on Canals

What is an isthmus? Why build a canal through the Isthmus of Panama?

What is an isthmus? Why build a canal through the Isthmus of Panama? Shorter Route (distance)

The Land is Not Flat!

Think the technology was the same as today? It Wasn’t Easy! Think the technology was the same as today?

History of the Panama Canal In the late 1800’s, the French began work on the Panama canal. Over 22,000 workers died due to poor conditions, yellow fever and malaria. The French abandoned the idea, saying it was impossible to build. In 1902, Theodore Roosevelt bought out the French, along with their equipment and materials and the United States Army began work on the Canal. The canal took 10 years to build. As a payment for the United States helping Panama win a war with Columbia, Panama paid the United States back by giving them control over the Panama Canal Zone. After protest by the people of Panama, in 1974, the United States President, gave Panama control of the canal. http://panamacanalmuseum.org/index.php/timeline/

Time-Lapse through the Canal http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fA-pnN54uPw&src_vid=-vi19z4LEi0&feature=iv&annotation_id=annotation_655031

What is the significance of the Panama Canal as it relates to the economy? Trade increased between European and Central American countries It promoted an agricultural economy in Central America Trade increased between countries along the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans Led to conflicts between countries wanting to control the canal

Interesting Facts about the Panama Canal First ground broken by French January 1, 1880 Amount of money spent by the French $260,000,000 Number of lives lost during French control 20,000 Amount United States paid French for their rights and property $40,000,000 Amount United States paid Panama for Canal Zone $10,000,000 Work began by the United States May 4, 1904 First ship through the Canal September 26, 1913 Length of Canal from Atlantic to Pacific 51 miles Time to transit Canal 8-10 hours Number of ships crossing daily 40 Number of ships crossing each year 12-15 thousand Amount of water filling each lock 52 million gallons Estimated cost of the Panama Canal built by U.S.  $375,000,000 Number of lives lost during United States control 5,609 Toll charge for Disney Magic cruise ship in 2008 $313,200 Average rainfall on Atlantic side 130 inches Average rainfall on Pacific side 70 inches Estimated cost for expansion of the Panama Canal $5.25 billion Estimated year of completion of expansion 2014

Panama Web The 1900’s are referred to as the 20th Century. Create a Web, with the Panama Canal as the Main Idea, that illustrates characteristics of the canal and how it benefited(s) trade between countries in the 20th century and today. Sub topics should include: Location Why build it? Benefits of the Canal What are some other areas that it is beneficial? Give characteristics for each sub topic.