Panama Canal

Definition

The Panama Canal is a man-made waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, significantly reducing the maritime journey between the east and west coasts of the Americas. Its construction was completed in 1914 and marked a monumental achievement in engineering, facilitating international trade and military movement. The canal became a symbol of American expansionism as it played a crucial role in the nation's imperial ambitions and strategic interests during the early 20th century.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The construction of the Panama Canal was a response to the need for a faster shipping route, which was highlighted during the Spanish-American War when the U.S. sought quicker access to its naval forces.
2. The canal's construction faced significant challenges, including disease outbreaks like yellow fever and malaria, which were eventually controlled through improved sanitation and medical practices.
3. The United States gained control over the canal zone through a treaty with Panama, following a revolution that led to Panama's independence from Colombia in 1903.
4. The canal not only transformed maritime trade but also reflected American interests in asserting dominance in Latin America, aligning with the principles of Manifest Destiny.
5. After its completion, the Panama Canal became a vital strategic asset for the U.S. Navy, allowing rapid troop movements between oceans during World War I and World War II.

Review Questions

• How did the construction of the Panama Canal influence American foreign policy and its imperial ambitions in Latin America?
  • The construction of the Panama Canal was pivotal for American foreign policy as it exemplified the nation's growing imperial ambitions. The canal allowed for quicker movement of military forces and trade between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, reinforcing America's strategic presence in Latin America. By facilitating access to global markets and projecting military power, it aligned with the broader goals of expansionism following events like the Spanish-American War.
• Discuss the social and health challenges faced during the construction of the Panama Canal and how they were addressed.
  • During the construction of the Panama Canal, workers faced significant social and health challenges, including rampant diseases such as yellow fever and malaria. To combat these issues, public health measures were implemented under Dr. William Gorgas, who focused on sanitation improvements like mosquito control and clean water supply. This health campaign was crucial not only for ensuring worker safety but also for maintaining morale during this massive engineering project.
• Evaluate the long-term economic impacts of the Panama Canal on global trade patterns and U.S. relations with Latin America.
  • The Panama Canal significantly altered global trade patterns by drastically reducing shipping times between key markets, which facilitated increased commerce and economic interdependence. Long-term, it solidified U.S. dominance over maritime routes while fostering both economic benefits and tensions with Latin American nations. This duality highlighted America's complex role as both an economic partner and a regional power that often exerted influence through interventionist policies, which has had lasting implications on U.S.-Latin American relations.

Related terms

Teddy Roosevelt: The 26th President of the United States, known for his role in the construction of the Panama Canal and promoting American imperialism.

Spanish-American War: A conflict between the United States and Spain in 1898 that resulted in U.S. territorial acquisitions and increased influence in Latin America.

Big Stick Diplomacy: A foreign policy approach by Theodore Roosevelt emphasizing diplomacy backed by the threat of military force to achieve U.S. goals abroad.