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1509
Slaves
Beginnings of slave trade to New World -
Independence
Panama gains independence. -
Part of Columbia
Panama becomes part of Colombia following the collapse of Gran Colombia -
The Canal
A French syndicate was created and received permission to build the canal, although this first attempt would end in two years before it was finished. -
Ferdinand de Lesseps
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Period: to
Ferdinand Marie des Lesseps
Also known as the father of the Suez canal launched the Compagine Uneverselle de Canal interceanique to build a canal at sea level. Although after ten years, the death of thousands of workers from malaria, yellow fever and expenditures of US $287 million from the public, the effort was lost in financial failure. -
Isthmian Canal Commission
U.S. Congress created the Isthmian Canal Commission and purchased the French company for US $40 million. Meanwhile, the U.S. helped Panama secede from Colombia as a prelude to building the canal. -
Canal Construction
Work commended on the canal with three sets of locks to go out ship to cross the Isthmus. At its peak, almost 40,000 workers labor to build the canal. -
Canal Completion
The U.S. completed the Panama Canal, after 10 years of construction, the death of thousands and a cost of US $352 million. In January, 1914 the French crane boat Alexandre le Valley, became the first vessel to transit the canal on its own Steam. -
Separation
Panama ceases to be a US protectorate -
Canal Upgrade
By a four to one margin, panamanians approve the US 5.3 billion Canal expansion that will include new channels and lock to allow Mega container ships to Traverse the 50 my account. The project, to be completed in 2014, will be paid for with loans and increase revenue from holes.
