The Construction of the Panama Canal: A Historical Overview

Construction of the Panama Canal After Panama's Independence

The construction of the Panama Canal is a monumental engineering feat that has had far-reaching impacts on global trade and transportation. One key aspect of the canal's history is the continuation of its construction after Panama gained independence.

Background

In 1903, Panama declared independence from Colombia with the support of the United States. This strategic move was intertwined with the desire to build a canal that would connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, providing a crucial shortcut for international shipping.

Final answer:

Construction on the Panama Canal continued after Panama gained independence from Colombia with the support of the United States.

Explanation:

Construction continued on the Panama Canal after Panama gained independence from Colombia. In 1903, Panama declared independence from Colombia with the support of the United States. Shortly after gaining independence, Panama signed the Canal Zone over to the U.S., and construction on the canal began in 1904.

Completion and Impact

The Panama Canal's construction continued after Panama's independence from Colombia, which was influenced by the United States. The canal was completed in 1914, revolutionizing global shipping. Panama took full control of the Canal Zone in 2000, highlighting its significance in international trade.

Explanation:

Construction on the Panama Canal continued after Panama gained independence from Colombia. The separation from Colombia and subsequent independence in 1903 were pivotal events that resulted from a combination of internal dissent within Panama and strategic interventions by the United States, who supported the independence movement to expedite the creation of the canal. The engineering and health challenges were enormous, and with significant effort, including the control of tropical diseases and the moving of massive quantities of earth, the canal was finally completed and opened in 1914, drastically reducing shipping time between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

The return of the Canal Zone to Panama by the United States took place in 2000, after which Panama took over the complete operation and maintenance of the canal. This event has had lasting impacts on Panama's economy and international commerce, further emphasizing the Panama Canal's importance to global trade and military strategy.