PANAMA CANAL

I. SUMMARY

The Panama Canal, vital to international trade, is undoubtedly one of the most
remarkable feats of engineering that humankind has ever accomplished. It is a
manmade 82 km international waterway in Panama that connects the Atlantic Ocean
with the Pacific Ocean and divides Norths and South America. It serves as a significant
shortcut between Pacific ports and Atlantic destinations.
It was begun by France in 1881, but the venture failed 1890. It was then
completed between 1904 and 1914 by the United States. The canal uses locks to raise
ships to about 85 feet above sea level and lowers them down again. The construction
was challenged by difficult weather conditions, costs and some unfamiliar diseases like
malaria and yellow fever. Before the completion of the canal, a ship from Los Angeles
en route to Europe would have to follow the coast of South America to the southernmost
point in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina or via the Strait of Magellan. Others would round
Cape Horn and then proceed northward along the coast before crossing to Europe. This
was a far longer trip, and the canal shortened the journey by about 8,000 nautical miles.
It was officially declared in 1977 that the Panama Canal will serves as a neutral
international waterway and even in times of war any vessel is guaranteed safe passage.
After the 1999 handover, the US and Panama jointly shared duties in defending the
canal.
Naturally, this saved a significant amount of money since a trip end to end would
be completed much more quickly, thus saving on fuel and all the costs of operation that
increase with time. The canal construction created a dam which led to the formation of
the Gatun Lake on the northern part of the Isthmus. Its sheer immensity tells a beautiful
tale about human endurance, determination, and accomplishment.

II. REACTION
As I explore and study the history, significance, and impact of the Panama Canal,
I am astounded by its complexity and foresight involved in its creation. Its impact
economically cannot be overstated. The idea of the construction was brilliant to the
point that it revolutionized international trade by significantly reducing shipping
distances and costs. Though it became a boundary that divides North and South of
America but its impact was to connect major markets worldwide and links global supply
chains, enabling efficient and timely delivery of goods. It serves as a vital artery for
global commerce, facilitating the movement of goods between East and West. One of
its purposes is to create a global connectivity. It actually connects people from different
continents and cultures. The canal’s existence has fostered cultural exchange, tourism,
and interpersonal connections that contribute to the richness and diversity of human life.
It also creates an economic growth which has a direct impact on economies worldwide.
It just opened a new market, created job opportunities, and stimulated economic
development in countries that rely on global trade, ultimately improving the standards of
living for many individuals.

III. REFLECTION
The Panama Canal holds symbolic significance in life by representing
connectivity, progress, unity, collaboration and a quest of new opportunities in life. It
serves as a reminder of our interconnectedness, ability to get beyond challenges, and
capacity for development.
As I reflect on the Panama Canal, I am reminded of the power of human
determination to overcome obstacles and transform around us. We might experience
the same scenario which our own obstacle might be impossible to overcome. But by
determination, endurance and self-reliance, we can as well divide the mountains in our
path and continuously press forward with courage to accomplish even the impossible
opportunities. The canal stands not only as a physical marvel but also as a symbol of
global connectivity, reminding us of the profound ways in which human actions can
shape the course of history.