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Building Panama canal, Excavator
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Building Panama canal, Excavator
Vintage 19th century photograph: Image relates to the first French led attempt to build the Panama canal in the 1880s under the supervision of Ferdinand de Lesseps. Excavator
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23446890
Attempt Build Canal Excavator Ferdinand Lesseps Panama Relates Supervision
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This vintage photograph captures an intriguing moment in the early history of the Panama Canal project, during the first French attempt to build the waterway in the late 19th century. The image, taken in the 1880s, depicts an excavator at work, supervised by Ferdinand de Lesseps, the renowned French diplomat and entrepreneur who spearheaded the effort. The Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering and a symbol of international cooperation, had long been a dream of many, including de Lesseps, who believed it would significantly reduce the time and cost of shipping between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Despite initial successes, the French effort was plagued by numerous challenges, including the harsh tropical climate, engineering difficulties, and the devastating impact of diseases such as yellow fever and malaria on the workforce. The excavator in this photograph, a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the time, was just one of the many tools employed in the arduous task of carving a passage through the Isthmus of Panama. This image, with its rich cultural and historical significance, offers a glimpse into the early days of the Panama Canal project, a time when the world was on the brink of an unprecedented era of global connectivity. The traditional methods and technologies used during this period, such as the excavator, serve as a reminder of the ingenuity and perseverance that shaped the course of history. This photograph, with its evocative imagery and intriguing backstory, is a must-have for anyone interested in the history of engineering, travel, and the early 20th century.
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