Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford cover image

The Great Frenchman's Folly (Panama Disaster 1)

Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

00:00

Failed Dreams: The Panama Canal Debacle

This chapter examines the tumultuous early attempts by French engineers to build the Panama Canal, focusing on the immense challenges they faced, including tropical diseases and poor management. Through the lens of Jules Danglet's experiences, it exposes the mismanagement and absurdities that plagued the project, contrasting his personal extravagance with the grim realities of worker conditions.

Transcript
Play full episode

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app