The Panama Canal Flashcard

Front

What brought thousands of settlers to America’s west coast in the middle of the 19th century?

Back

California gold rush

Front

What was the only hope for avoiding a grueling six month wagon journey to transport gold back east?

Back

Traveling through Panama

Front

Who was the first person to attempt the construction of the Panama Canal?

Back

Ferdinand de Lesseps

Front

What was the major mistake made by Ferdinand de Lesseps during the construction of the canal?

Back

Digging the canal at sea level

Front

What was the name of the dam built by the Americans to create a massive reservoir of water for the canal?

Back

Gatun Dam

Front

How many canal locks were built by the Americans to raise traversing ships 26 meters above sea level?

Back

Five

Front

What was the major source of revenue for Panama after the completion of the canal?

Back

The Panama Canal

Front

When did the Panama Canal officially join the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans?

Back

1913

Front

How many vessels travel through the isthmus annually today?

Back

Over 14,000

Front

Who gained ownership of the Panama Canal in 1999?

Back

Panama