The Panama Canal: A Marvel of Engineering

What was the primary reason settlers traveled to America's west coast in the mid-19th century?

• To participate in the California gold rush

• To build the first transcontinental railroad

• To start new agricultural ventures

• To escape political turmoil in the east

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What major engineering challenge did Ferdinand de Lesseps underestimate?

• The need for a large labor force

• The difficulty of cutting through the Continental Divide

• The complexity of building locks

• The resistance from local communities

Who first attempted to construct a canal through the Isthmus of Panama?

• A British engineering team

• A French company led by Ferdinand de Lesseps

• Panamanian government contractors

• The United States

What was a significant consequence of the French failure to build the canal?

• Increased interest from the British

• A temporary halt in global trade

• The United States considering a canal through Nicaragua

• Immediate success in the next attempt

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How did the United States gain control to build the Panama Canal?

• By signing a treaty with Colombia

• Purchasing the land directly from local tribes

• Through a lease agreement with France

• Supporting Panama's independence from Colombia

What innovative solution did the Americans use to overcome the engineering challenges of the canal?

• Tunneling under the Continental Divide

• Building a series of locks and dams

• Using nuclear explosions to clear the path

• Creating a dry canal with rail transport

What was the primary purpose of the Gatun Dam in the construction of the Panama Canal?

• To provide electricity for nearby cities

• To serve as a bridge for crossing the canal

• To create a reservoir to control the canal's water flow

• To prevent flooding in the construction zone

How many workers died during the American phase of the canal construction?

• Approximately 22,000

• Less than 1,000

• Over 10,000

• About 5,000

What event marked the completion of the Panama Canal?

• A dike explosion triggered by a telegraph signal

• The signing of a treaty between the US and Panama

• The first ship successfully passing through

• An international ceremony attended by world leaders

Since when has Panama had full control over the canal?

• After the treaty with the United States in 1903

• Since its construction was completed

• Since 1999

• It is still controlled by the United States