World Geography and Cultures © 2012

Chapter 9: Cultural Geography of Latin America

Student Web Activities

"Panama Canal"

Introduction
After controlling the Panama Canal since its completion in 1914, the United States formally handed over control of the canal to Panama on December 31, 1999. This event marked a major change in the complicated relationship between the two countries. In this activity you will learn more about the canal, its history, and the role of the United States in Panama.

Destination Title: Panama Canal Handover

Directions
Start at BBC News's Panama Canal Handover Web site.
  • Click on and read Old World dreams.
  • Click on and read New World success.
  • Click on and read Panama in control.

After exploring these topics, answer the following questions.

1
What European ruler first suggested a canal across the Isthmus of Panama? What European country actually attempted to build such a canal? Why did it fail?
2
After the failed attempts of the French, who became the project's main advocate? Why did he believe that a canal was important? What event fueled his desire to build a Central American canal?
3
Describe actions taken by the United States in 1903 and 1989 that affected Panama and its relationship with the United States. Why do the United States and Panama have a sometimes uneasy relationship?
4
How did engineer John Stevens take advantage of Panama’s physical geography when building the canal?
5
Use what you have learned about the Panama Canal to create two diary entries written on December 31, 1999, the day the United States handed over the Panama Canal to Panama. The diary entries should reflect the different points of view of a Panamanian student and a student from the United States whose parents worked for the Canal Commission.
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