1. Panama Canal

2.  SS5H3 The student will describe how life changed in America at the turn of the century.  C. Explain how the building of the Panama Canal expanded America’s role in the world.

3.  After gaining new territory in the Spanish- American War, America saw the need for a passageway through Central America. Why?  Theodore Roosevelt was the president at this time. (1901-1909)  President Roosevelt thought that a canal linking the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans could help America’s military and economic interests.

4.  Short 4 min. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_5yNiTEfVw &safe=active https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_5yNiTEfVw &safe=active

5.  1904- the U.S. purchased a strip of land from Panama. This area became known as the Canal Zone.  Construction on the canal was difficult. Many workers became ill. Doctors figured out that the mosquitoes carried yellow fever and malaria, so they set up ways to fight the problem.  Workers were told to drain swamps, cover water supplies and tents with nets, and put in new sewers.

6.  1914- The Panama Canal opened. It is about 50 miles from Atlantic to Pacific.  The Panama Canal helped the U.S. economically because it now had clear access to world trade.  It helped the military because now the U.S. Navy had a clear sailing to defend the U.S. all over the world.

7. Make your own map. Which route would be better, cheaper, faster, and safer?

8.  Explain how the building of the Panama Canal made things better for the world.  How did building this help expand America’s role in the world?  Who was Theodore Roosevelt?

9.  Big, Bigger, Biggest…The Panama Canal  http://www.sciencechannel.com/tv-shows/big- bigger-biggest/videos/panama-canal.htm http://www.sciencechannel.com/tv-shows/big- bigger-biggest/videos/panama-canal.htm