The idea of ​​the Panama Canal was first introduced by the French. This idea of ​​a sea-level canal connecting two of the world's largest oceans was incredible and would require well-thought-out engineering plans. The Panama Canal would be approximately 50 miles long and stretch from North America to South America. After debating with Colombia, the French managed to obtain from them the right in 1876 to build the canal through Panama. This canal would connect the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean and would cost around 1.2 billion francs or $240 million. The French did not begin building until shortly after the canal plans were approved and instead took time to celebrate with the man who approved the plans for Colombia, General Stephen Türr. Canal plans called for the canal to be 29.5 feet deep and 72 feet wide. After the French failed to build the Panama Canal, this idea was reintroduced by Theodore Roosevelt after the assassination of William McKinley and supported by other powerful politicians. The United States wanted to build a large canal through Central America, but the French beat them to it, but luckily they failed for the Americans. When the canal project was presented in Colombia by the United States, it was rejected. In 1903, after the United States helped Panama gain independence from Colombia, Panama accepted the canal plan. The same year, the United States took control of the Canal Zone and began construction. In 1914, the Panama Canal was opened and fully operational. When the canal rights were signed, the United States agreed to pay Panama $10 million and pay $250,000 a year for the canal zone. In 1933 the annual payment was increased to $430,000. In 1955 the annual payment was increased again...... middle of paper ......had no say in this decision. A sea level canal is one that contains the same amount of water as the sea, allowing easy access. A lock canal is a canal with different water heights using a large machine to raise and lower boats. After Stevens made his proposal for the lock canal, he continued Wallace's work of repairing French machinery. Meanwhile, the Board of Commissions was still deciding whether it would be a lock canal or a sea level canal. The lock canal was eventually approved and the United States United began sending their own equipment. /player/ http://www.czbrats.com/Builders/FRCanal/failure.htm http://www.june29.com/tyler/nonfiction/pan2.html http://www.twyman-whitney.com/history120 -121/readings/Theodore Roosevelt and the Panama Canal.pdf