More or Less: Behind the Stats Did 35,000 Americans die building the Panama Canal?
Sep 11, 2023
Matthew Parker, author of Hell's Gorge: The Battle to Build the Panama Canal, joins Tim Harford to investigate the claim made by Donald Trump that 35,000 Americans died during the construction of the canal. They discuss the challenges faced by the French during their failed attempt, the hazardous conditions and diseases workers encountered, and the tragic stories of those involved. The episode uncovers the complex history behind the casualties and explores the lasting impact of the Panama Canal.
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5
Introduction
00:00 • 2min
The French Effort: Challenges and Devastation
01:43 • 5min
Workers and Challenges: Building the Panama Canal
06:36 • 4min
Construction of a Substitute for the Panama Canal and the Tragic Stories of Workers
10:48 • 2min
Examining the Claim of 35,000 American Deaths in the Building of the Panama Canal
12:25 • 2min