Panama Canal / Jaffe Productions in association with Hearst Entertainment Television ; produced in association with A & E ; producer, Bruce Nash ; written and produced by Andy Thomas.
This disc has been recorded using DVD-R equipment and may not play in all DVD players or drives. Narrated by Jack Perkins; commentators include Robert Dill, George Muller, Joan Marie Ridge Degrummond, Steven Tekosky, Roger Knight. This program was originally broadcast on the History Channel in 1994.
Contents:
Ambitious men -- "I took the Isthmus" -- Digging in -- Waters flow -- Dangerous times -- Care of the Canal -- Connections to greatness.
Summary:
Part of Teddy Roosevelt's dream of making America a global power was realized through the construction of the Panama Canal. The French began construction in 1880 but nine years and 20,000 lives later they realized their plans were flawed and abandoned the project. In 1904, construction resumed under American supervision. First, they controlled the diseases that had claimed so many construction workers' lives. Then they developed an innovative design for a series of locks. Their dogged determination paid off when they united the oceans on January 7, 1914. Ninety-five years since its opening, the canal continues to enjoy great success. Even though world shipping--and the size of ships themselves--has changed markedly since the canal was designed, it continues to be a vital link in world trade, carrying more cargo than ever before, with fewer overhead costs.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.