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US Surveys Panama
A 100-man investigatory team from the U.S. surveys Panama -- then a part of the Republic of Colombia -- for a feasible canal route. They deem a Panama canal too expensive and propose a canal in Nicaragua with 12 locks at either end and 10 miles of aqueducts to supply water to the summit level. This would help the US because trading Asia would be easier to acess by boat. Also, if Japan tried to go through to attack in the East, they would have to get through the canal or take a lond route. -
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US and the Panama Canal
Observation in 1875 to Teddy beginning construction in 1904 and completion in 1914. -
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From Observation to Completion!
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The French Attempt
Two years after a French team completes their own survey of Panama, their government approves Ferdinand de Lesseps' plan for a sea-level canal. The cost is estimated at 1.2 billion francs ($240 million). Pictured is Ferdinand de Lesseps. This plan failed because of an unstable labor force and high death and sick rates among French employees on the Isthmus. All construction stopped in 1888 because of these issues. -
The French Arrive
With exclusive rights from Colombia, De Lesseps arrives in the Panama region and begins construction. The plan includes constructing a 40-meter high dam at Gamboa to hold back the Chagres River and a 24-meter wide path through the Culebra Cut. Pictured left is an illustration of a French shovel. -
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The French Construcion
French construction of a sea-level canal in Panama is undergone, but seen in 1899 as a failure. The US continued construction in 1904 with small amounts of French assistance. A second French Canal Company was created after construction stopped in 1894, six years after the French stopped work because of death and sickness, including malaria and other diseases. -
The Second French Canal Company Opened
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The Panama Canal is obtained
The minister of the Republic of Panama, Philippe Bunau-Varilla signed the Hay-Banau-Varilla treaty. This treaty stated that if the US paid $10,000,000 and an annual rental fee of $250,000, then the US would have access to the Panama Canal. -
Construction Begins!
US construction begins in Theodore Roosevelt's new presidency. -
Completed!
Construcion of the Panama Canal is completed. -
The Opening!
The first non-construction ship travels through the completed canal. -
TR Passes On
Theodore Roosevelt dies. -
Japanese Strike!
Just weeks after Fat Man and Little Boy were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, a Japanese bombing run was attempted on the canal at nearly midnight but was unsuccessful in slowing the war route. Pictured is a Kawanishi fighter plane. -
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Canal Becomes a source of Riots!
Over the 60's the canal becomes a source of riots for Anti-US. Negotions begin to hit the US for a new traty. -
President Carter signs the Panama Canal Treaties
The Senate, by one vote is in favor of starting the Panama Canal treaties, a step by step transfer in which the US gives the Panama Canal to Panama. -
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The Panama Canal Treaties are put into action
The Panama Canal Treaties are put into action by the US. -
The US gives control of the Panama Canal to Panama
The US lets go of the Panama Canal, one of the most strategic waterways in the world.
