Ep 2. The Panama Canal

The second episode of Season 2 of Modern Marvels delves into the incredible engineering feat that is the Panama Canal. Since its completion in 1914, the Panama Canal has remained a vital waterway, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and facilitating international trade on a massive scale.

The episode details the history of the Panama Canal, starting with the French attempt to build a canal in the 1880s. The French effort, despite the use of innovative technology for the time, ultimately failed due to a variety of factors, including disease and poor leadership. Following the French failure, the United States took up the task of constructing the canal, with President Theodore Roosevelt making it a top priority during his administration.

The episode goes on to explain the challenges that faced American engineers during the construction of the canal. One major obstacle was the presence of disease-carrying mosquitoes, which led to thousands of deaths among the labor force. To combat this, U.S. physician William Gorgas implemented a rigorous sanitation campaign, which ultimately helped to reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from mosquito-borne illness.

The episode also discusses the various engineering challenges presented by the terrain of Panama. The construction of the canal required leveling hills, digging trenches, and constructing massive locks to accommodate the change in elevation between the two oceans. To make matters more complicated, the canal is located in an area of high seismic activity.

One of the most impressive feats of engineering involved in the construction of the canal was the creation of Gatun Lake. This man-made lake, which covers an area of 164 square miles, was created by damming the Chagres River. The lake serves as a vital part of the canal's infrastructure, allowing ships to navigate through the canal without the need for continuous digging and excavation.

The episode also highlights the economic and geopolitical impact of the Panama Canal. Since its inception, the canal has served as a key artery of international trade, connecting the economies of the East and West. The canal has also played a role in military conflicts, with U.S. forces using it to transport troops and supplies during World War II.

The episode concludes with a discussion of the ongoing efforts to modernize the Panama Canal. In recent years, the Panama Canal Authority has undertaken a massive expansion project, which involved widening and deepening certain canal sections to accommodate larger ships. The project, which was completed in 2016, has greatly increased the capacity of the canal, demonstrating its continued importance in the 21st century.

Overall, the second episode of Season 2 of Modern Marvels provides a fascinating look at the construction and impact of the Panama Canal. Through a combination of historical footage, expert commentary, and stunning visuals, the episode details the incredible engineering feat that has played a vital role in international commerce and geopolitical relations for over a century.