An Unprecedented Project
The Panama Canal, completed in 1914, was a 48-mile waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Built by over 40,000 workers, it followed a failed French attempt in the 1880s. The U.S. backed Panama’s independence to secure canal rights, transforming the region with infrastructure projects and sanitation efforts.
A Grueling Construction
The project required massive feats, such as the Culebra Cut—a trench through mountainous terrain—using dynamite, steam shovels, and manual labor. Workers faced extreme heat, torrential rains, and deadly conditions. Over 5,600 official deaths were recorded, though the true toll was likely much higher.
Labor Challenges
Most laborers were Caribbean migrants, subjected to harsh segregation, low wages, and inadequate housing. Injuries were common, and compensation policies were limited. Workers like Constantine Parkinson lost limbs, often receiving little support. Some were deported or left destitute.
A Controversial Achievement
Despite these hardships, the canal opened in 1914, revolutionizing global trade and military strategy. Its construction remains a testament to engineering ingenuity, but its human cost is an enduring reminder of the sacrifices made by those who built it.
The Panama Canal, completed in 1914, was a groundbreaking project that connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Built by over 40,000 workers over a decade, it reshaped global trade. But behind the engineering marvel lay immense human suffering and thousands of deaths.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/5JQlsKopYW
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) January 17, 2025