How Does The Panama Canal Affect The USGlobal Presence

Panama Canal

Topic: Panama Canal

Question: how does the Panama Canal affect the U.S. global presence?

Thesis: the Panama Canal affects the U.S. global presence by expanding its shipping and naval power between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

The Panama Canal affects the U.S. global presence by expanding its shipping and naval power between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.The French began to build the Panama Canal in the 1880’s. After nine years of building the attempt to finish the canal went bankrupt. They were unable to finish the canal mainly due to cost and workers dying of tropical diseases such as malaria. In 1903, the U.S. was able to negotiate the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty. The U.S. was provided a 10 mile strip of land for $10 million dollars.1 The U.S. wanted the canal land to expand their shipping and naval power between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It would shorten the distance, save costs and minimize time that ships had to travel back and forth.

Goods range from auto to grain, such as steel, agriculture, and petroleum products.2 Of the 14,000 ships that pass through the Panama Canal 90% of them carry commercial goods. The Panama Canal saves time and money by transporting cargo over a shorter route of travel. Before the canal was completed ships had to travel 12,000 miles and took around 67 days for a one way trip. After the canal was completed it shortened the trip approximately 8,000 miles to an overall distance of about 4,000 miles. The Panama Canal increased trade with Asian countries and Pacific