History Hyenas with Chris Distefano and Yannis Pappas Is Trump Right on Panama Canal?
Feb 13, 2025
Dive into the zany history of the Panama Canal while the hosts discuss Donald Trump's controversial takeover claims. They jab about the challenges of building the canal, from diseases to engineering feats. The conversation turns geopolitical, examining U.S. policies and Chinese influence. Plus, enjoy personal anecdotes, cultural critiques, and their hilarious takes on the modern economic landscape. With jokes flying about yacht charters and tariffs, this episode blends humor and insights seamlessly!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
French Failure in Panama
- The French initially attempted to build the Panama Canal, but failed due to disease, mudslides, and a flawed plan.
- Thousands of workers died during the French effort.
American Ingenuity
- The US, under Teddy Roosevelt, successfully built the Panama Canal by raising the water level instead of digging deeper.
- This innovative approach allowed ships to pass through a series of locks.
Panama Canal Handover
- The US gave control of the Panama Canal back to Panama during the Carter administration due to rising nationalist movements and Cold War fears about the USSR.
- The US maintained some influence and continued collecting fees.