Panama Canal Study Guide PDF

# Panama Canal Study Guide ## Key Concepts ### Historical Vision and Early Efforts - Since the 1500s, explorers sought to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans for faster trade. - French attempts led by Ferdinand de Lesseps in the 19th century failed due to disease, financial issues, and enginee...

# Panama Canal Study Guide ## Key Concepts ### Historical Vision and Early Efforts - Since the 1500s, explorers sought to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans for faster trade. - French attempts led by Ferdinand de Lesseps in the 19th century failed due to disease, financial issues, and engineering challenges. ### U.S. Involvement - Theodore Roosevelt wanted the U.S. to build the canal for strategic importance. - The U.S. supported Panama's independence from Colombia to gain control of the canal zone. ### Engineering Innovations - Engineers shifted from a sea-level design to a lake and lock system. - Gatun Lake and locks were created to manage elevation differences. - Sanitation improvements helped reduce diseases like yellow fever. ## Facts - Canal is 50 miles long, 500-1000 feet wide. - Takes ships about 25 hours to pass through the canal. - About 35 to 38 boats/ships pass through the canal each day. - Original route - 14,000 miles (22,530 kilometers) - Would take 198 days from New York to California. - Cost 31% more to ship goods. - New route through the canal - 5,900 miles (9,495 kilometers) - Took 43 days from New York to California. - Cost $922 million dollars ($8.4 billion in modern currency). - Claimed over 27,000 lives during its construction. ## Key Vocabulary | Term | Definition | |-----------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Isthmus | A narrow strip of land connecting two larger areas, like Panama. | | Gatun Lake | A man-made lake that helps ships cross the Panama Canal. | | Locks | Water chambers that lift or lower ships between different elevations. | | Chagres River | A river that supplies water for the canal. | | Gaillard (Culebra) Cut | The challenging section of the canal cut through mountains. | | Theodore Roosevelt | U.S. president who pushed for the construction of the Panama Canal. | | Sanitation | Keeping areas clean to prevent disease. | | Expansion Project | The 2007 upgrade of the canal to handle larger ships and save water. | The picture shows a map of Central America with the Panama Canal highlighted. It shows the original travel route and the current route through the canal. It also includes a summary of the canal's history. The map emphasizes the importance of the Panama Canal for trade and transportation.