THE PANAMA CANALTransportation Corridor

FACTS ABOUT THE CANAL France began work on the canal in 1881, but had to stop

because of engineering problems and high mortality due to disease.

The United States took over the project in 1904, and took a decade to complete the canal, which was officially opened on August 15, 1914.

One of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken, the Panama Canal shortcut greatly reduced the amount of time taken for ships to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, enabling them to avoid the lengthy, hazardous Cape Horn Route around the south tip of South America.

MAP OF THE PANAMA CANAL

HOW IT WAS MADE• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pv0upmpPw3c

(History of the Canal)• http

://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/flash-interactive/panama-map/ (Interactive Map)

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_655031&feature=iv&src_vid=-vi19z4LEi0&v=fA-pnN54uPw (Panama Canal Time Lapse)

• http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50153461n (The Continued Use and Relevance of the Panama Canal)

IF YOU HAD BEEN A WORKER… Imagine if you had been a French worker who was among

the first to begin building the canal… Or an American worker hired to complete the canal… What would you have to say to your loved ones at home

regarding your experiences? http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/p

hoto-gallery/panama-gallery/ (Workers on the Canal)

LETTER FROM A WORKER Write a letter to your family describing your experience. Remember to include the following (you may want to

research this using your iPad or the textbook): Who? (who is with you, who have you seen?) What? (what are you doing in Panama?) When? (make sure your date is historically accurate) Where? (where are you - describe your location) Why? (why are you in Panama…)