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Questions and Answers
What was a major reason for the U.S. involvement in the construction of the Panama Canal?
What was a major reason for the U.S. involvement in the construction of the Panama Canal?
The construction of the Panama Canal led to the deaths of over 27,000 workers.
The construction of the Panama Canal led to the deaths of over 27,000 workers.
True (A)
What major engineering innovation was utilized in the construction of the Panama Canal?
What major engineering innovation was utilized in the construction of the Panama Canal?
Lake and lock system
The narrow strip of land connecting two larger areas, like Panama, is known as an __________.
The narrow strip of land connecting two larger areas, like Panama, is known as an __________.
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
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Which president of the United States was instrumental in the Panama Canal construction?
Which president of the United States was instrumental in the Panama Canal construction?
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The original shipping route from New York to California was shorter than the route through the Panama Canal.
The original shipping route from New York to California was shorter than the route through the Panama Canal.
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How many boats/ships pass through the Panama Canal each day on average?
How many boats/ships pass through the Panama Canal each day on average?
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What is an isthmus?
What is an isthmus?
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What is the role of Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal?
What is the role of Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal?
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What is the function of locks in the Panama Canal?
What is the function of locks in the Panama Canal?
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What is the source of water for the Panama Canal?
What is the source of water for the Panama Canal?
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What is the name of the challenging section of the canal cut through mountains?
What is the name of the challenging section of the canal cut through mountains?
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Who is the U.S. president credited with pushing for the construction of the Panama Canal?
Who is the U.S. president credited with pushing for the construction of the Panama Canal?
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Why is sanitation important in the Panama Canal?
Why is sanitation important in the Panama Canal?
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What was the purpose of the Expansion Project in 2007?
What was the purpose of the Expansion Project in 2007?
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Which of the following statements is TRUE about the history of the Panama Canal?
Which of the following statements is TRUE about the history of the Panama Canal?
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Which of these was a major challenge faced by the French during their attempts to build the Panama Canal?
Which of these was a major challenge faced by the French during their attempts to build the Panama Canal?
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The creation of Gatun Lake and the lock system were key engineering innovations in the Panama Canal.
The creation of Gatun Lake and the lock system were key engineering innovations in the Panama Canal.
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Which of these statements is TRUE about the impact of the Panama Canal on global trade?
Which of these statements is TRUE about the impact of the Panama Canal on global trade?
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What is the estimated length of the Panama Canal?
What is the estimated length of the Panama Canal?
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How long does it typically take for a ship to pass through the Panama Canal?
How long does it typically take for a ship to pass through the Panama Canal?
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What is the approximate number of boats or ships that pass through the Panama Canal each day?
What is the approximate number of boats or ships that pass through the Panama Canal each day?
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Study Notes
Panama Canal Key Vocabulary
- Isthmus: A narrow strip of land connecting two larger areas (e.g., Panama).
- Gatun Lake: A man-made lake that helps ships navigate the Panama Canal.
- Locks: Water chambers that raise and lower ships to different elevations.
- Chagres River: The river that provides water for the Panama Canal.
- Gaillard (Culebra) Cut: The challenging section of the canal, cut through mountains.
- Theodore Roosevelt: U.S. president who pushed for Panama Canal construction.
- Sanitation: Maintaining clean conditions to prevent disease.
- Expansion Project: The 2007 upgrade to handle larger ships and conserve water.
Panama Canal Summary
- The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
- Early attempts to build the canal were made before the U.S. took over, facing challenges including disease, finances, and engineering.
- The U.S. successfully finished the canal in 1914.
- Innovative engineering, including the creation of Gatun Lake and locks, helped complete the canal.
- The canal significantly impacted global trade, shortening travel times and lowering costs.
- Modern expansions continue to maintain the canal's importance in global trade.
Panama Canal Early Efforts and Involvement
- Explorers sought to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans since the 1500s.
- French attempts, led by Ferdinand de Lesseps, failed due to disease, financial problems, and engineering challenges in the 19th century.
- Theodore Roosevelt spearheaded the U.S.'s involvement, motivated by strategic importance.
- The U.S. helped Panama gain independence from Colombia to control the canal zone.
Canal Engineering Innovations
- Engineers designed a lake and lock system instead of a sea-level canal.
- Gatun Lake and locks were created to manage elevation differences.
- Sanitation improvements helped combat diseases like yellow fever.
Panama Canal Facts
- The Panama Canal is 50 miles long and 500–1000 feet wide.
- Ships take approximately 25 hours to traverse the canal.
- Over 35-38 boats/ships pass through daily.
- The original shipping route would take 198 days, while the canal path cuts it to 43. This reduced the distance by 14,000 miles (22,530 kilometers).
- 27,000 lives were lost during construction.
- The canal's construction cost was $922 million.
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Description
Test your knowledge of key vocabulary related to the Panama Canal. This quiz will cover important terms and concepts that played a significant role in the construction and operation of the canal. Enhance your understanding of this monumental engineering achievement and its historical significance.
