1. Panama Canal

4. What is it? Preview: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/trailer/pana ma-trailer/ http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/trailer/pana ma-trailer/ Locks?: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/bonus- video/panama-locks/ http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/bonus- video/panama-locks/ Real footage: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/bonus- video/panama-travel/ http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/bonus- video/panama-travel/

5. Panama Canal – Why? New York to San Francisco 68 days 16,000 miles or 20 days 6,500 miles??? Hmmm…Which one is better for business and military strength? The Isthmus of Panama is the narrowest part

6. Problems – Getting the land Colombia owns that land and US can’t agree on terms to obtain the land President Roosevelt makes a deal with Panamanian rebels Helps them gain independence from Colombia Panama is recognized by the US and is given complete control of a 10 mile strip “The Panama Canal Zone”

7. Problems – Construction (1903-1914) Takes over 10 years to build, $400 million, thousands die Dr. Walter Reed discovers yellow fever is spread by mosquitoes Dr. William Gorgas orders all swamps drained, vegetation cut & everything sprayed in oil to prevent mosquitoes