One key difference between the US and French construction of the Panama Canal was the approach to managing and treating the workers. The French, who began construction in the 1880s, relied heavily on forced labor from the local population and brought in workers from overseas who were subject to poor working conditions, disease, and high mortality rates. In contrast, the US, which took over the project in 1904, implemented a number of measures to improve the health and safety of the workers, including better sanitation, healthcare, and housing. They also focused on eliminating the mosquito-borne diseases that had plagued previous construction efforts. Additionally, the US utilized more advanced equipment and technology to expedite construction, including steam shovels and locomotives. These differences in management and technology allowed the US to complete the canal in 1914, while the French had failed to complete the project in their attempt.