The Panama Canal, a monumental feat of engineering, has a fascinating history shrouded in tales of intrigue, political struggles, and economic interests. Initially conceived in the 16th century, the dream of a passage linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans gained momentum in the 19th century. However, it was the United States, under the leadership of President Theodore Roosevelt, that finally took on the massive undertaking. After years of negotiations, the U.S. secured control of the Canal Zone, and in 1904, construction began. The project was plagued by challenges, including landslides, disease, and worker unrest. Despite these obstacles, the canal was completed in 1914, transforming global trade and ushering in a new era of connectivity. However, the story of the Panama Canal is also intertwined with political tensions, power dynamics, and debates over sovereignty, making it a complex and captivating saga of human ambition and ingenuity.
