I believe that it is safe to say that all who visit Panama are familiar with the fifty mile long waterway which runs from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean, divides the country of panama and creates a major lifeline for Panama via exporting and importing goods worldwide. However, many are unfamiliar with the history of the Panama Canal. The first attempt to construct the channel was made by the French in the late 1800’s after the Panama railway was built. Over 22,000 French workers died in the first attempt due to poor hygiene, malaria and yellow fever; the idea of constructing a canal at sea level was soon abandoned and considered impossible by many.
In 1902 Theodore Roosevelt bought out the French and the U.S. began working on the canal once again; however, this time they brought excavation materials and the help of the United States Army. Ten years later the canal was complete. Panama then decided to repay the U.S. for their assistance in freeing them from Colombia by giving them control of the Panama Canal Zone. However, in time Panamanians became bitter about not having control of the canal, leading to protest and rallies which caused U.S. President Jimmy Carter to form negotiations regarding the canal. The Torrijos-Carter Treaties guaranteed Panama full defensive responsibility and control of the canal after December 31st, 1999 while also providing America with the permanent right to defend the canal from any threat that could hinder the canal’s neutral service to all nations of the world.
The Canal is a top tourist destination and a truly wonderful sight. The rich history of the Panama Canal and its intrinsically valuable support to the Panamanian people make it even more interesting and amazing. One has to see it for themselves to appreciate its magnitude and understand the historical, political and socioeconomic aspects surrounding the mega structure.
[...] 5 days ago; News from the Gringo Travel Network: Twitter Updates for … See original here: A Brief History of the Panama Canal | The Panama Gringo Share [...]
[...] more from the original source: A Brief History of the Panama Canal | The Panama Gringo click here to Visite Main Website mypanama.biz ← Casa Vista del Mar, Bocas del Toro, [...]
[...] more about the Panama Canal check out this post. // [...]
[...] For more about the Panama Canal check out this post. [...]