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The History of the Panama Canal is a story of ambition, engineering brilliance, and geopolitical significance. Connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the canal transformed global trade by creating a vital maritime shortcut. The idea of a canal across the Isthmus of Panama dates back to the 16th century, but it wasn’t until the early 20th century that it became a reality.
After a failed attempt by the French led by Ferdinand de Lesseps, the United States took over the project in 1904 under the leadership of President Theodore Roosevelt. George Washington Goethals, a skilled US Army engineer, oversaw the construction, dividing the work into the Atlantic, Central, and Pacific divisions. The Gatun Locks, Miraflores Locks, and the excavation of the Culebra Cut were among the most challenging engineering feats.
On August 15, 1914, the SS Ancon made the first official transit, marking the canal’s completion. The waterway revolutionized international shipping and remains one of the world’s most important trade routes.
Over time, the canal faced operational challenges, geopolitical tensions, and demands for sovereignty. The Torrijos-Carter Treaties of 1977 transferred control of the canal to Panama on December 31, 1999. Today, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) manages the waterway, ensuring its efficiency and modernization, including the 2016 canal expansion project.
The Panama Canal stands as a symbol of human ingenuity, bridging oceans, cultures, and economies while continuing to play a vital role in global commerce.
0:00 Introduction
2:31 Early projects
5:03 French era
7:58 United States
12:14 Construction
15:23 Conclusion
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