Short History Of... The Panama Canal
38 snips
Dec 9, 2024 
Julie Greene, a Professor of History at the University of Maryland and author of *The Canal Builders*, dives deep into the colossal endeavor of the Panama Canal. She discusses the project's numerous failures and the staggering human cost involved. Listeners learn about the health crises that plagued laborers, the pivotal U.S. political maneuvers that led to its revival, and the engineering decisions that shaped this man-made marvel. Greene highlights the enduring legacy of the canal in transforming global trade and its profound impact on the workforce.
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Tragedy of the Canal
- Two Barbadian brothers, a teacher and a musician, arrive in Panama to work on the canal.
- The musician dies from malaria, highlighting the dangerous conditions.
Canal's Complex History
- The Panama Canal, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific, was a massive infrastructure project.
- Its creation was complex, facing repeated failures and changing hands before U.S. involvement.
Early Canal Ideas
- The canal's concept originated in the 16th century but was deemed impossible by the Spanish.
- Renewed interest arose during the 1848 California Gold Rush, leading to the Panama Railroad.
