Empire 275. The Battle To Build The Panama Canal (Part 3)
Jul 23, 2025
In this episode, Matthew Parker, author of *Hell's Gorge: The Battle To Build The Panama Canal*, explores the wild ambitions behind the Panama Canal's construction in the 1880s. He shares how the Gold Rush transformed Panama into a transit hub for adventurers. The eccentric Ferdinand de Lesseps even flew a hot air balloon over Paris to rally support for the canal. Parker also touches on the human tragedy and fierce challenges faced by laborers, painting a vivid picture of the madness and missteps of this grand engineering endeavor.
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Engineering Marvel of Panama Canal
- Building the Panama Canal was a monumental feat of engineering against enormous natural challenges.
- The locks and water systems remain functional over 100 years later, highlighting the achievement.
Scotland's Darien Scheme Disaster
- The Darien Scheme was an ill-fated Scottish attempt to establish a colony and canal.
- Despite high hopes, poor planning and unsuitable trade goods led to starvation and abandonment.
Panama's Role in U.S. Vision
- Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson saw Panama as vital for world commerce and U.S. expansion.
- Their interest mixed idealism about peace with pragmatic imperial ambitions.
