275. The Battle To Build The Panama Canal (Part 3)
Empire
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The Ambition for Connectivity
This chapter explores the historical fascination of figures like Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson with a trans-Isthmian canal, juxtaposing idealistic pursuits of peace with pragmatic expansion. It details the engineering triumphs and political landscape surrounding the Canal Age, emphasizing Panama's significance in trade and commerce. Moreover, it highlights the transformative effect of the California Gold Rush on Panama, the challenges faced by early engineers, and the social dynamics reshaped by the influx of foreign prospectors.
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