Technological
Achievements - Canals
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REVIEW
O Imperialism – Political & economic control of
another country
O After setbacks in North America, imperialism
continued in the East
O British rule affected government, economics,
health, & social life in India
O Technology made imperialism in Africa
possible
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ESSENTIAL QUESTION
O How have the Panama & Suez Canals
influenced trade & imperialism?
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The Suez Canal
O Location: Egypt, connects Mediterranean
Sea to Red Sea
O 1504 – Construction of Canal 1st Proposed
O 1859 – French engineers begin construction
O 1875 – Britain takes control of Suez Canal
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Control of the Canal
O 1854 – Egyptian government allows French
company to build Suez Canal
O Egypt bought control of canal
O Construction was expensive for Egypt,
country soon in debt
O To avoid debt they decide to sell ownership
of canal
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Control of the Canal
O This gave England the opportunity to control
the canal
O Provided more direct route to colonies in
India, Australia, & New Zealand
O 1875 – England bought Suez Canal from
Egypt
O Britain controlled most of Egypt
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Independence for Egypt
O England declared Egypt independent after
rebellions & nationalist movement
O Troops remained to protect Egypt & canal
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Significance
O Allowed shorter route from Europe to the
East
O Shorter trade routes
O Easier access to colonies
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The Panama Canal
O Location: Panama, Southwest of Panama
City
O 1904 – Work begins on canal
O 1914 – Canal opens, links Caribbean with
Pacific
O 1999 – Panama takes control of canal
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Reasons for Construction
O America needed to move ships from Pacific
to Caribbean
O Only 2 available options:
O Travel 13,000 miles around South America
O Create 2nd Navy
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1st Attempt
O French company that built Suez Canal in
1890s
O French citizens invested in project
O Failed due to disease & poor planning
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American Attempt
O Columbia would not allow the U.S. to
construct the canal
O People of Panama revolted & won
independence
O 1903 – Panamanian government allows U.S.
to begin construction
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Technology
O 1 of world’s greatest engineering feats
O Construction done with power shovels
O Many workers died from yellow fever
O Scientists destroyed mosquitos, carriers of
disease, & controlled its spread
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Effects of Panama Canal
O Shortened sea route from New York to San
Francisco by 8,000 miles
O Ships from all over used canal
O Toll required to pass through
O Shorter distance still saved time & money
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Panama Canal Video
O http://www.history.com/videos/panama-
canal-locks#panama-canal-locks
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