~Section 3~ Panama : An Important Crossroad

Key Terms• Panama Canal (pan uh mah kuh nal) n. a shipping canal

across the Isthmus of Panama, linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean

• Canal Zone (kuh nal zohn) n. a 10-mile strip of land along the Panama Canal, once governed by the United States

Key Terms

• lock (lahk) n. a section of waterway in which ships are raised or lowered by adjusting the water level

• ecotourism (ek oh toor iz um) n. travel to unspoiled areas in order to learn about the environment

Crossing The Isthmus

• It is the only way to get from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean by ship without going all the way around South America.

• At this time Columbia, South America, owned Panama.

The French Began A Canal

• In 1881, a French company was given the right to build a canal.

• Workers faced many problems such as diseases, mud slides, and mountain blockage.

• After several years of blasting, the company went bankrupt.

• Canal work picked back up in 1902 when the United States bought the French company and equipment.

The New Nations Of Panama

• President Theodore Roosevelt felt that a canal was important for the United States, however, Colombia would not allow the build.

• Many Panamanians wanted to be free from Colombia and they saw the canal as a chance for independence.

• In 1903, the United States helped Panama revolt against Colombia.

• In return, Panama gave the United States the rights to build the canal.

Building the Canal: A Heroic Effort

• Americans had to design and build locks.

• The biggest problem was disease.

• In the 1900s, doctors discovered that mosquitoes spread disease.

• It took eight years and 70,000 workers to build the Panama Canal.

The Canal Zone

The United States and Panama signed a treaty that gave the United States the right to control the canal and the Canal Zone forever.

A Change of Ownership

• Panama felt that the United States had too much power in their country.

• In 1977, the United States gave Panama more control over the canal.

• Panama finally took over the Panama Canal in 1999.

Panama Today

• The Panama Canal is very important. • It has made Panama a trade, bank, and finance center.

Tourism

• Many tourists come to Panama to see the canal. • They also visit Panama’s rain forests.• Panama promotes ecotourism.• Ecotourists come to see the rain forest plants

and animals.