The construction of the Panama Canal was one of the most significant engineering feats of the 20th century. It was an important advancement in growing global trade by providing a shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Its construction, completed in 1914, was a monumental task involving immense challenges, including harsh weather, deadly diseases, and complex engineering problems. This article explores the history, challenges, and impact of the Panama Canal’s construction. In particular, the construction of the Panama Canal was important to the historical development of the United States and the era of American Imperialism.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE PANAMA CANAL – BACKGROUND HISTORY
The idea of a canal across the narrow landmass of Panama dates back to the early explorations of the Americas during the Age of Exploration. For instance, the Spanish were the first to consider it in the 16th century, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that more serious efforts began. In the 1880s, a French company led by Ferdinand de Lesseps, the builder of the Suez Canal, undertook the project. However, they were unprepared for the tropical diseases and difficult terrain of the area, which led to massive financial losses and eventually they abandoned the effort.
However, in the early 20th century, the United States, under President Theodore Roosevelt, took over the project. In fact, the United States saw the canal as important for military and economic reasons, allowing for faster movement of naval ships and trade ships between the oceans. In 1903, after supporting Panama’s independence from Colombia, the United States secured rights to build and control the canal through the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE PANAMA CANAL – CHALLENGES
The construction of the Panama Canal was a difficult task that required overcoming numerous challenges. First was the geographic challenges, which included: the tropical rainforest, mountainous terrain, and heavy rainfall. These geographic features all made construction much more difficult. For instance, landslides were common, which complicated excavation efforts.
Next, was the issue of tropical diseases and the issues they created during construction. Malaria and yellow fever were rampant, claiming the lives of thousands of workers. Doctors implemented extensive mosquito control measures, drastically reducing the incidence of these diseases and allowed construction to continue. Regardless, these tropical diseases presented a serious problem for construction efforts and slowed the development of the Panama Canal..
Finally, the construction of the Panama Canal was difficult due to engineering obstacles. For example, the canal’s construction required innovative engineering solutions. The design included a series of locks to raise and lower ships over the land’s varying elevations. The most significant excavation was the Culebra Cut, a nine-mile section through the Continental Divide.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE PANAMA CANAL – PHASES
The construction of the Panama Canal unfolded as a series of three phases. First was the preparation and planning phase. The United States began by improving living conditions for workers and implementing health measures. They also conducted detailed surveys and developed engineering plans for the construction of the canal.
Next, was the excavation and building phase. Excavating the Culebra Cut was one of the most challenging parts of the project, requiring the removal of millions of cubic yards of earth. The construction of the Gatun Dam and the creation of Gatun Lake were also critical, providing the water necessary to operate the locks.
The final phase was the building of the locks. The locks were the most complex part of the canal. Each lock chamber was large enough to accommodate the largest ships of the time. The construction involved massive amounts of concrete and advanced engineering techniques to ensure their durability and functionality. In all, the locks of the Panama Canal were important because they allowed the ships to raise and lower with the terrain of the land.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE PANAMA CANAL – IMPACT
The Panama Canal opened on August 15th, 1914, revolutionizing global trade. It significantly shortened the voyage for ships traveling between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, reducing the journey by about 8,000 miles. This not only saved time and fuel but also helped grow international trade. This was particularly important to the United States, since it viewed the Panama Canal as important to its security and economic growth. The canal also demonstrated the United States’ growing influence in global affairs. For instance, the construction of the Panama Canal was an important aspect of the era of American Imperialism. This era saw the United States extend its influence in Latin America and the Pacific.
For Panama, the canal was a source of national pride and economic benefit. In 1977, the Torrijos-Carter Treaties were signed, which laid out the gradual transfer of control of the canal from the United States to Panama, which was completed in 1999.
