During his presidency, what was considered to be Teddy Roosevelt's greatest achievement? Was it a positive or negative change for the U.S.? Mike Beatty

 Teddy considered as his greatest achievement  Began in 1881 by Ferdinand de Lesseps  Ended unfinished in 1888 due to thousands of deaths by disease  Once President, TR bought rights to property

 U.S. Navy travel shorter distance ◦ Stronger ◦ More Flexible  Cheaper and quicker for shipping goods

 Columbia demanded fee  Rebels form Republic of Panama ◦ U.S. aid rebels  U.S. pays $10 million to Panama ◦ Rights to the canal ◦ 5-mile-wide zone of land on either side of the canal

 Disease: Mosquitoes ◦ Dr. William Gorgas plan = very successful  $128 million spent ◦ As opposed to $287 million spent by French

PositivesNegatives  Pros ◦ Shorter route for ships ◦ Cheap and swift travel ◦ U.S. Navy – strengthened ◦ Saved Navy money ◦ Provided Jobs ◦ Creation of Panama ◦ Supported Panama  Income taxes  Security fees  Educational insurance ◦ Still in operation today  Cons ◦ Deaths ◦ Money spent/lost