Theodore Roosevelt: The Invention Of Building The Panama Canal

How does one accomplish the impossible? Is it through determination or teamwork? Is it through genius? Perhaps the answer can be found within the Panama Canal. This magnificent waterway, constructed by the U.S in the early 1900s, sought to accomplish the impossible: to link the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This would save huge amounts of time and money for sailors, for it would avoid the long boat trip around South America. Still, the question remained, how could it be done? A few key people played major roles in its construction, the most notable being Theodore Roosevelt, who pushed America to build it, among other things. Engineers faced the task of designing a canal in hostile terrain, their innovations were groundbreaking. This was the
That is why many in Congress were surprised when he proposed to build the Panama Canal. Constructing such a Canal was thought of as impossible, for the French had attempted to build it several years earlier and failed miserably. And yet, Roosevelt was resolute in convincing Congress to approve the canal’s construction. In his first address to Congress he stated, “No single great material work which remains to be undertaken on this continent is of such consequence to the American people,” As well as being indecisive, Congress was leaning towards building a canal in Nicaragua rather than Panama. After all, they reasoned, this canal would be closer to America by hundreds of miles. Nicaragua also had less disease, and the U.S. had six treaties with the country allowing it to build a canal there. But Roosevelt wanted the canal in Panama, and he eventually got his
Senate had finally approved the Canal Treaty to build in Panama. However, Gran Colombia, who owned Panama, refused to agree to it. Therefore, the frustrated Roosevelt decided to do what any impatient President would do: he started a revolution. Roosevelt, with the aid of his comrade Bunau-Varilla, let the already rebellious Panamanians know that the U.S. would defend them in a revolution. The result was disastrous for Gran Colombia. As its province rebelled, a total of ten U.S. gunboats looked on, daring Columbia to strike back. Eventually, Panama became its own country, but one manipulated by Theodore Roosevelt and the U.S. In its new treaty, the United States received vast amounts of power and space to build. Though Roosevelt had done his part, problems were just beginning for the thousands of workers who traveled to Panama. By far, their most terrifying problem was the spread of yellow fever and malaria, carried by mosquitoes. Almost 20,000 people had died during France’s attempt to build the canal, but the Americans fared but slightly better. The medical genius William Gorgas was soon hired. He aggressively fought mosquitoes to cut down on diseases, and in the end, his dedication was rewarded when he completely eradicated yellow fever and lowered the amount of malaria