360
Panama
Everything about Panama on 360n60: 1 history, 3 dates in history. Each told in 60 words.
History · 1
On this day · 3
- On this day · 31 December 1999
Panama takes full control of the Panama Canal
At noon on 31 December 1999, the United States handed full control of the Panama Canal to Panama, under treaties signed in 1977. The canal, opened in 1914, links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and carries a significant share of world trade.
- On this day · 15 August 1914
The Panama Canal opens
On 15 August 1914, the cargo ship SS Ancon made the first official passage through the Panama Canal, joining the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Using giant locks to lift ships over the land, it cut the sea journey from New York to San Francisco by about 13,000 km.
- On this day · 4 May 1904
The United States takes over building the Panama Canal
On 4 May 1904, the United States took control of the unfinished Panama Canal project from a failed French company. After a decade of work, battling disease and landslides, the canal opened in 1914, joining the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.