Final answer:
The Panama Canal project faced difficulties such as construction problems, the spread of yellow fever, and bad weather, all of which impeded progress and caused high mortality rates among workers; tribal attacks did not contribute to the difficulties faced.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major difficulties faced by the Panama Canal project included a range of formidable challenges. The French, who initiated the endeavor, contended with construction problems such as the technical difficulties of dealing with the terrain and frequent equipment malfunctions. The workers were also assailed by the rampant spread of yellow fever and malaria, deadly diseases carried by mosquitoes that thrived in the tropical climate. These diseases caused a staggering loss of life, which significantly hindered progress and contributed to the failure of the French attempt. Additionally, relentless bad weather, characterized by tropical rains and subsequent flooding and landslides, further complicated the construction effort and posed continuous operational setbacks. It is worth noting that there were no historical records of tribal attacks impeding the construction of the canal. When the United States took over the project, they learned from the French failures and made significant strides in improving the health conditions, infrastructure, and construction techniques, ultimately leading to the successful completion of the canal.