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Canals
An artificial waterway or artificially improved river used for travel, shipping, or irrigation.
888 Questions
What were the benefits and drawbacks of building the Panama Canal?
The history of the Panama Canal goes back almost to the earliest explorers of the Americas. The narrow land bridge between North and South America offers a unique opportunity to create a water passage between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. This potential was recognized by the earliest colonists of Central America, and schemes for such a canal were floated several times in the subsequent years.
By the late-19th century, technological advances and commercial pressure advanced to the point where construction started in earnest. An initial attempt by France to build a sea-level canal failed, but only after a great amount of excavation was carried out. This was of use to the U.S. effort, which finally completed the present Panama Canal in 1914. Along the way, the nation of Panama was created through its separation from Colombia in 1903.
Today, the canal continues to be not only a viable commercial venture, but also a vital link in world shipping.
When did construction of the Erie Canal start?
Construction of the Erie Canal started on July 4, 1817.
A primary purpose for building the Suez canal was to?
Increase trade between the middle east, Europe, and Asia.
Suez Canal and Hungary in 1956?
Nasser (the Egyptian leader) blocked it to reduce oil exports to Western Europe. This was after Britain and France were forced by the U.S. to withdraw their troops from Egypt after the Suez War.
Locks on canals are used as a means of effectively going up or down hill. Water will always find its own level, therefore letting water flow into a system of locks allows gradients to be navigated by the vessels using the waterway. The number of locks will depend on how flat or otherwise the land needed to be passed through!
What country had control of the Panama Canal?
The Panama Canal is owned today by China. We know the Panama Canal's ownership caused many problems in the past and a treaty was signed in 1977 between the U.S. and Panama. At the end of 1999 however, it was handed over to China.
Where were canals built and why?
Canals were built for transport and for boats to go on them. Canals exist in many parts of the world; some of the most important are the Suez Canal, at the eastern tip of the Mediterranean (cutting through the Sinai desert) and the Panama Canal, in Central America. Canals are built to enable ships and boats to travel from one body of water to another. In the case of the Suez Canal, the Mediterranean is connected to the Red Sea leading to the Arabian Sea, and in the case of the Panama Canal, the Atlantic Ocean is connected to the Pacific Ocean. Canals make it possible for ships to get to their destinations faster and more efficiently.
One of President Roosevelt's most well known foreign policies was the creation of the Panama Canal. During the Spanish-American war a United States ship that had to travel to Cuba and by the time they got there the war was already over. Due to this situation, and the many benefits that could be gained by building a canal, Roosevelt took action. Many politicians wanted to build the canal in a more stable country but Roosevelt pushed for it to be built in Panama since it would save hundreds of millions of dollars. Roosevelt traveled into Panama with many troops and forced the Panamanians to allow the construction of the canal. They refused at first, but realized they had no choice to accept since they could not compete with the American military. The United States began to negotiate a treaty with Columbia for the construction of the canal, but once they had restrained the United States went into battle and became victorious after a few hours. The construction of the canal was later allowed by Panamanians since the United States had offered them protection from Columbians. Many treaties were need for the Panamanian land although the canal was eventually completed in 1914. The main reason for the canal was to increase trade. Money was saved since it took less distance for travel and more goods were available. Since Roosevelt went into Panama and forced them to allow the construction of the canal it showed his authority. He had the bravery to attack if Panama or Columbia did not cooperate which showed how willing he was to get the job done. He believed in being aggressive and this influenced how swiftly it took to start constructing the canal. President Roosevelt ended up getting the land he desired and benefited America by gaining our intimidation as a country. This gave us more power and gave us a greater authority as a nation.
Who was the Jewish financer that helped build the Suez canal?
Britain and France. The two super powers at the time.
What is the Suez canalWhy is it important?
The Suez Canal was built to create a short cut for shipping sailing between the Indian ocean to the North Atlantic Ocean,avoiding the longer voyage around the Cape of Good Hope, or the more hazardous Cape Horn passage.
Can an aircraft carrier fit through the Suez Canal?
While aircraft carriers routinely transited the Panama Canal in years past, carriers built after WW II cannot fit through the Panama Canal as it exists today. The new locks being built now are wide enough to fit the lower part of today's supercarriers. However, their much wider superstructure width will prevent them from using the Canal. At their widest, a supercarrier is about 257 feet wide and would hit other structures within the new locks. Below is a link that describes a WW II aircraft carrier's service life and references a Panama Canal transit.
http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/ships/carriers/histories/cv15-randolph/cv15-randolph.html
Why was it hard to build the Panama Canal?
Because it's a 51 mile long path that was forcibly dug through rocky/mountain terrain. With its comparatively long length and the rough landscape added together, it made it a difficult job indeed.
How did the united states get acces to the canal zone in panama?
The U.S. military backed rebels who soon controlled independent Panama.
Why was the canal called Clinton's big ditch?
Basically that what it was. Owned by the State of New York, the Erie Canal is the most famous and successful of America's early towpath canals. It breached the barrier of the Appalachian Mountains to link Lake Erie with the Hudson; thus reducing transportation costs between Buffalo and New York City.
It is 363 miles in length. The New York State canal system is mostly used for recreation but still has some limited commercial traffic today.
Why the distance between India and Europe has been reduced by 7000 km with opening of Suez canal?
Suez Canal has reduced India's distance from Europe.
The Suez Canal excavation began in April 25, 1859 and was open to navigation in November 17, 1869.
Is the Suez Canal the largest Canal?
Yes, and as a full-scale Ship canal- not something for narrow-gauge ( in comparison) Barges, such as the Erie Canal and others which used draft animals- often Mules- Draft animals in both senses ( ask the Army?) The Suez canal does not have locks- it did= may still have movable bridges for personnel to access the gates- and for traffic control ( like toll gates on turnpikes) but in operation, ships run under their own power- a Canal Pilot has the Conn- giving the steering orders- and so it goes- no locks needed as it is a sea-level canal.
Who built the panama canal at first?
No. A canal through Nicaragua was initially preferred by the US, but the Panama site was chosen after a French company acquired the rights to the canal from another bankrupted French company. An American representative of the French company, William Nelson Cromwell, persuaded the United States to take up the Panama route.
How did the construction of the canals affect transportation in the northeast?
It lowered the cost of shipping produce from farms to cities.
