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Who were the key players in the history of the Panama Canal and what impact did they have on its construction?

Kylene Leith-Harvey

The Panama Canal is one of the most impressive engineering feats of the modern world. Its construction involved the contribution of many people, but there were certain key players who played a pivotal role in the making of this canal.

At the outset of the project, the idea of constructing a canal to join the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans was first proposed by the Spanish in the 16th century. However, it was not until the 19th century, during the industrial revolution, that the idea was seriously considered again. Among the early key players were Ferdinand de Lesseps and Philippe Bunau-Varilla, who were instrumental in promoting the idea of a canal.

Ferdinand de Lesseps was a French diplomat who had earlier been involved in the construction of the Suez Canal. Along with his team of engineers, he conducted a study of the Panama Isthmus and concluded that a sea-level canal was possible. However, the terrain of the region presented a major challenge, and the project ended up facing many unexpected setbacks.

Another key player in the history of the Panama Canal was Philippe Bunau-Varilla. He was a French engineer, who had originally been involved in the failed French effort to build the canal. After the project was abandoned, he went on to become a lobbyist for the creation of a canal. He worked tirelessly to convince the US government to take over the construction of the canal, and to lobby for the necessary funds.

Theodore Roosevelt was the President of the United States at the time of the construction of the Panama Canal, and he was also a key player in its development. His belief in the importance of a canal to link the two oceans was unwavering, and he pushed forward with the plan. It was during his presidency that the United States purchased the rights to the canal from the French.

The construction of the canal was a massive undertaking, and it was not without its challenges. Yellow fever and malaria were rampant in the region, and there were countless engineering hurdles to overcome. However, the project was a remarkable success and it transformed international shipping by reducing the distance between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans by thousands of miles.

In conclusion, the key players in the history of the Panama Canal were instrumental in its conception, promotion, and construction. Ferdinand de Lesseps and Philippe Bunau-Varilla promoted the idea of a canal, while Theodore Roosevelt was a driving force in its construction. Together, they overcame many challenges to create a remarkable engineering feat that has had a significant impact on global trade and commerce.