Summary: Politics Behind The Panama Canal
Politics Behind Panama Canal.
The Panama Canal is a water passage between the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans. Its idea of construction all started with President Theodore Roosevelt, who commissioned its construction in the late nineteenth century. This was an inspiration from the successful construction of the Suez Canal in 1869. The great technological advancement and the huge commercial pressure enhanced the construction of this canal. France was the first to attempt the construction of the canal under an international construction company, La Societe internationale du canal interoceanique, but this failed as a result of technological drawbacks, though an immense work was done on excavation. A large number of people was involved- almost …show more content…
However, the project led to the deaths of close to 22,000 people between 1881 and 1889. In 1885, de Lesseps insisted that a sea level canal was practicable until it became clear otherwise. In October 1887, the region adopted the lock canal plan. As a result of troubles associated with frequent mudslides and floods, the work was postponed under the new plan until May 15th 1889, when the company was declared bankrupt. Consequently, the project was suspended.
The collapse of the firm was a serious scandal in France. To exploit the matter, two Jewish speculators supported Edouard Drumont. Is was surprising that 120 legislators were found linked to the scandal and Jean Jaures had to conduct an inquiry into the matter, under the authorization of the French parliament. He completed this task in 1893. In 1894, Compagnie Nouvelle du Canal de Panama was awarded the contract to finish the …show more content…
George S. Morrison had to stand alone on that commission and argued for its change. The purchase of the land from the French cost 40 million dollars and this was authorized by the Spooner Act of 28th June 1902. Roosevelt opened negotiations with the Columbians to get the requisite rights. Panamians favored him and the U.S. was allowed to control the Panama Canal zone on 23rd February 1904 for 10 million dollars, as indicated in the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty, signed in 18th November 1903. America could then easily control the canal project area. The U.S.A. then took over the construction of this canal in 1913. Being the France had done the start, America found it easier to complete the task. They then officially opened it in
The Panama Canal is a water passage between the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans. Its idea of construction all started with President Theodore Roosevelt, who commissioned its construction in the late nineteenth century. This was an inspiration from the successful construction of the Suez Canal in 1869. The great technological advancement and the huge commercial pressure enhanced the construction of this canal. France was the first to attempt the construction of the canal under an international construction company, La Societe internationale du canal interoceanique, but this failed as a result of technological drawbacks, though an immense work was done on excavation. A large number of people was involved- almost …show more content…
However, the project led to the deaths of close to 22,000 people between 1881 and 1889. In 1885, de Lesseps insisted that a sea level canal was practicable until it became clear otherwise. In October 1887, the region adopted the lock canal plan. As a result of troubles associated with frequent mudslides and floods, the work was postponed under the new plan until May 15th 1889, when the company was declared bankrupt. Consequently, the project was suspended.
The collapse of the firm was a serious scandal in France. To exploit the matter, two Jewish speculators supported Edouard Drumont. Is was surprising that 120 legislators were found linked to the scandal and Jean Jaures had to conduct an inquiry into the matter, under the authorization of the French parliament. He completed this task in 1893. In 1894, Compagnie Nouvelle du Canal de Panama was awarded the contract to finish the …show more content…
George S. Morrison had to stand alone on that commission and argued for its change. The purchase of the land from the French cost 40 million dollars and this was authorized by the Spooner Act of 28th June 1902. Roosevelt opened negotiations with the Columbians to get the requisite rights. Panamians favored him and the U.S. was allowed to control the Panama Canal zone on 23rd February 1904 for 10 million dollars, as indicated in the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty, signed in 18th November 1903. America could then easily control the canal project area. The U.S.A. then took over the construction of this canal in 1913. Being the France had done the start, America found it easier to complete the task. They then officially opened it in