1. Imperialism & Canal Building
How does imperialism influence the Suez & Panama canals?

2. Suez Canal
Egyptian leader Isma’il creating big debts modernizing Egypt, incl a canal connecting the Mediterranean & Red Sea
Egyptians turn to French to help build the canal
French & Egyptians borrow from British banks, can’t pay debt
British Government buys the debt & gains control of canal (1869), have sphere of influence in Egypt
British see the canal as the “lifeline of the empire”

3. US needs a shortcut between Pacific & Atlantic
Panama Canal .
Canal is proposed in the Colombian province of Panama
US offers Colombia $10 million for land – Colombia wants more
US encourages Panamanians to rebel against Colombia
With help from US Navy, Panama gains independence, gives US free land to build & allows US to own the canal
US becomes “Colossus of the North”
Roosevelt Corollary (Big Stick Policy) allows US to be police of Western Hemisphere
US needs a shortcut between Pacific & Atlantic

4. Read Page 386: Panama Canal (including the facts) – USE COMPLETE SENTENCES
What oceans does the Panama canal connect?
How high are ships raised in the three locks?
What are the names of the three series of locks?
How long is the canal?
How long did it take to build and how much did it cost?
What caused many of the workers to die when building the canal?
How many miles does the canal save a ship (ex: SF to NY)?
Do you think the canal helped world trade? Why?