Panama Canal: A story of hardship

The Panama Canal is one of the most important waterways in the world, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It dramatically shortens the shipping route between the two, eliminating the need to sail around the southern tip of South America.

• The canal was first proposed by the French in the late 19th century. The French effort, led by Ferdinand de Lesseps (the engineer who oversaw the construction of the Suez Canal), began in the 1880s but ultimately failed due to engineering challenges, diseases (like malaria and yellow fever), and financial problems.
• The United States took over the project in 1904, after Panama gained independence from Colombia in 1903 with U.S. support. Under President Theodore Roosevelt, the U.S. engineered and completed the canal. The canal was officially completed in 1914.

• Prior to 1999: The United States owned and operated the canal through the Panama Canal Zone, which was leased from Panama.
• Post-1999: The Panama Canal was handed over to Panama as part of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties (signed in 1977). The transfer of ownership was completed on December 31, 1999, and the canal is now owned by Panama.