Question

What happened in 1903 that enabled the U.S. to build the Panama Canal?

Answer 1

In 1903, the U.S. facilitated Panama's independence from Colombia, leading to the construction of the Panama Canal, completed in 1914, an engineering milestone that crucially shortened maritime travel.

Step-by-step explanation:

In 1903, a significant event enabled the United States to build the Panama Canal: the support of Panama's independence from Colombia. The U.S. had previously purchased the French canal company's land for $40 million. However, when the Colombian government hesitated to ratify a treaty allowing the U.S. to build the canal, the U.S. supported a revolution that resulted in Panama's independence. Immediately after, the newly independent Panama granted the U.S. the rights to the Canal Zone. Consequently, the U.S. began construction on the canal, which was completed in 1914, representing a monumental engineering feat and strategically reducing the shipping distance between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans by over 8,000 miles.

Answer 2

The US was able to build the Panama Canal in 1903 due to factors such as the US helping engineer the independence of Panama and buying the French canal company's land. Construction began in 1904, and the completion of the canal in 1914 significantly impacted global trade and military defense patterns. Efforts were also made to combat tropical diseases during construction.

Step-by-step explanation:

In 1903, the United States was able to build the Panama Canal because of multiple factors. One key factor was the Colombian government's delay in approving an agreement to hand over the canal zone and other rights to the US, leading to the US helping engineer the independence of Panama. The US provided military aid to ensure the success of Panama's revolution, which secured its independence and allowed the US to begin construction on the canal in 1904.

Another important factor was the US government buying the French canal company's land in 1902, which had been previously working on the canal project. The French project had faced difficulties with digging and had been abandoned. US engineers completed the construction of the canal in 1914, shortening the shipping distance between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and dramatically impacting world trade and military defense patterns.

The US also played a crucial role in combating tropical diseases like malaria and yellow fever during the construction of the canal. Dr. William Gorgas, with the help of Cuban researchers, made connections between mosquitoes and diseases and implemented measures to control their spread, reducing the death rate among workers.