Chapter 14 Section 3 Panama – Important Crossroads
A construction company from France was granted the rights, by Colombia, to build a canal through Panama, in 1881.
Digging of the canal was not successful, at first. Deadly diseases brought on by mosquitoes helped to slow down and stop the digging.
Without completing the Panama Canal, ships would have to travel around the tip of South America to get to the west coast or Pacific Ocean. Black and white photo is a view of South America’s southern tip, taken from space.
Along with mosquitoes, mudslides caused many deaths, which caused the work on the canal to stop. The French company went Bankrupt.
In 1902, America took over the hard work of building the Panama Canal, by purchasing equipment from the bankrupt French company.
In November of 1903, the United States aided Panama’s revolt against Colombia. Because of America’s help, Panama gave them the right to build and the right to control the canal zone.
By 1904, disease carrying mosquitoes prevailed and hampered work on the canal. The U.S. found ways to overcome this. Burning sulfur in the houses and using mesh over water vessels were two ways. Another was having a doctor with large crews working in the area.
During the 1960s and 1970s, the people of Panama began to riot in disagreement of U.S. control of the Canal Zone.
By 1977, Panama began gaining rights to the canal when President Jimmy Carter signed a treaty granting it.
Panama gained full control of the canal, in 1999.
Panama did not want the United States to control the canal area because it gave the U.S. too much control over Panama’s affairs and too much power in Panama.
Locks are used in the canal. They raise or lower the water to allow ships to travel safely.
When traveling to unspoiled areas in order to learn about its environment, it is known as ecotourism.
The Panama Canal is a shipping canal, which connects or links the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.
The Canal Zone is 10 mile strip along the Panama Canal. It was once governed by the United States.