Empire 276. The Biggest Corruption Scandal in French History (Part 4)
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Jul 28, 2025 Matthew Parker, author of Hell’s Gorge: The Battle To Build The Panama Canal, joins the conversation to unravel the shocking corruption surrounding the French Panama Canal project. He discusses how George Eiffel was entangled in this scandal and the devastating impact of Yellow Fever on workers. Parker also introduces the charismatic Philippe-Jean Bunau-Varilla, who brilliantly swayed the US government to support the canal. The episode compellingly links French idealism with American pragmatism amidst a backdrop of ambition and tragedy.
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Bunau-Varilla's Intense Passion
- Philippe-Jean Benoit Varilla, a short French engineer with a waxed red moustache, was intensely passionate about the canal project.
- He met Ferdinand de Lesseps and was inspired to dedicate his life to the canal's construction despite challenges.
Yellow Fever's Toll on Engineers
- Yellow fever devastated the French workers building the Panama Canal, killing many young engineers quickly.
- Most French engineers were willing to face death out of patriotism and belief in the canal's greatness.
Danglay's Family Tragedy
- Jules Danglay brought his whole family to Panama to prove yellow fever was no threat.
- Tragically, one by one, his daughter, son, fiancé, and wife all died from yellow fever while he continued working.
