Panama A Transportation Corridor Chapter 12 Section 3

Setting the Scene Today ships looking to cross to through to the Pacific Ocean whether cargo or passenger ships cross through the Panama Canal. When they reach the canal they will have to wait about 20 hours in line before they a able to cross the canal. Then the ship will pass through a 40 mile long pass that is available 24/7/365. The actual trip takes about 8 hours and costs thousands of dollars. 5/14/2015© Souva Chattopadhyay

Setting the Scene Given the time and cost the trip is worth it because it is the only shortcut in the Western hemisphere for ships to cross from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean without having to go around the tip of South America. The canal saves ships 7,800 miles in travel distance. 5/14/2015© Souva Chattopadhyay

Setting the Scene Ships enter the Panama Canal at sea level, however parts of the canal cut through mountains. The ships are raised and lowered several times in locks as they travel through the canal. Define a lock. 5/14/2015© Souva Chattopadhyay

Setting the Scene Each ship passes through a set of gates into a lock chamber. The water in this chamber is at sea level. Then, more water comes pouring into the chamber. When the water rises high enough, the ship passes through a second set of gates and enters a small lake. Next, the ship proceeds to the next lock. 5/14/2015© Souva Chattopadhyay

Setting the Scene The ships will pass through two more sets of locks and zigzag through a passage cut through the mountains. After sailing through a huge lake. They exit at the city of Colon into the Atlantic Ocean. 5/14/2015© Souva Chattopadhyay

Building the Panama Canal: Geographic and Political Challenges The idea of a shortcut through Panama has always been a dream of sailors since the 1500’s. Define transportation corridor. What would the canal cut? What do you think is the benefit? What happened in 1881? What did builders struggle with? 5/14/2015© Souva Chattopadhyay

Building the Panama Canal: Geographic and Political Challenges What blocked the way? What killed 25,000 workers? What happened to the French company? 5/14/2015© Souva Chattopadhyay

Building the Panama Canal: Geographic and Political Challenges The United States Takes a Role What happened in 1902? Who were opposed to the Canal? 5/14/2015© Souva Chattopadhyay