(MP3 Week 4) The Panama Canal (Grade 7)

Who became President of the United States in 1901?

• Theodore Roosevelt

• William Taft

• Woodrow Wilson

• Franklin D. Roosevelt

Answer explanation

Theodore Roosevelt became President of the United States in 1901 after the assassination of William McKinley. He was the 26th president and served until 1909.

What was one of Theodore Roosevelt's main goals as President?

• Build a canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans

• Establish a national park

• End World War I

• Create the United Nations.

Answer explanation

One of Theodore Roosevelt's main goals as President was to build a canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, which was realized with the construction of the Panama Canal, enhancing trade and military movement.

The United States decided that the best place to build a canal was in ____.

• Mexico

• Panama

• Brazil

• Cuba

Answer explanation

The United States chose Panama for the canal due to its strategic location and the narrow isthmus, making it the most efficient route for maritime trade compared to other options like Mexico, Brazil, or Cuba.

At the time of the canal's planning, Panama was part of which country?

• Colombia

• Venezuela

• Ecuador

• Peru

Answer explanation

At the time of the canal's planning, Panama was part of Colombia. The canal project was initiated when Panama was still a province of Colombia before it gained independence in 1903.

Under which treaty did the United States gain the right to build the Panama Canal?

• Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty

• Treaty of Versailles

• Treaty of Paris

• Adams-Onís Treaty

Answer explanation

The United States gained the right to build the Panama Canal through the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty in 1903, which established the terms for the construction and control of the canal zone.

The United States leased a 10-mile-wide strip of land from Panama called the ____.

• Canal Zone

• Neutral Zone

• Trade Zone

• Free Zone

Answer explanation

The United States leased a 10-mile-wide strip of land from Panama known as the Canal Zone, which was crucial for the construction and operation of the Panama Canal.

Who was sent to get rid of the mosquitoes before construction could start?

• William Gorgas

• John Stevens

• George Goethals

• Ferdinand de Lesseps

Answer explanation

William Gorgas was tasked with eliminating mosquitoes to combat yellow fever and malaria, which were major obstacles before the construction of the Panama Canal could begin.

How long did it take to complete the Panama Canal?

• 5 years

• 10 years

• 15 years

• 20 years

Answer explanation

The construction of the Panama Canal took 10 years, starting in 1904 and completing in 1914. This period included significant engineering challenges and health issues, making 10 years the correct duration.

How many miles long is the Panama Canal?

• 20 miles

• 30 miles

• 40 miles

• 50 miles

Answer explanation

The Panama Canal is approximately 40 miles long, making it a crucial waterway for maritime trade. The other options, 20, 30, and 50 miles, do not accurately represent its length.

How much did it cost to build the Panama Canal?

• $100 million

• $200 million

• $350 million

• $500 million

Answer explanation

The construction of the Panama Canal cost approximately $350 million, making it a significant engineering project of its time. This figure reflects the extensive labor and resources required for its completion.