Middle America: Central America and the Caribbean

Region that includes Central America There are 7 countries in Central America

Panama is located on the narrowest part of the isthmus between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Panama Canal

• One of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever

• the first attempt to construct a canal began in 1880 under French leadership.

• attempt failed and 21,900 workers died• The United States took over

the project.

Panama Canal• President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt of

the United States gave the order to build the canal

• Attempted and completed by the United States in the early 1900s

• Opened in 1914. • Cost the United States around $375,000,000• plagued by problems, including disease

(particularly malaria and yellow fever) and landslides.

• Yellow fever – infectious tropical disease spread by mosquitoes

• a total of 27,500 workmen are estimated to have died in the French and American efforts.

Panama Canal

Problems Panama faces today with the canal:• The canal is reaching

maximum capacity• Ships are getting too big• Competition from the

Suez Canal (Egypt)

Locate Panama on group map• Compare and contrast the advantages ( Pros) and disadvantages

(Cons) of Panama’s location in a discussion with your group by creating a T Chart on the back of the group map.

• Then Share with another group your group’s pros and cons of Panama’s location.

• Identify group’s favorite Pro and Con.

• What is the Theme of your Pro and Con ( Economic, Government, Cultural, Environmental, Demography,Etc)

• Discuss why the U.S. chose to invest in an alliance with Panama.