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American History: The Early Years
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Chapter 21: The Twentieth Century
"The Panama Canal"

Introduction
     In this chapter, you learned that a prosperous economy and a powerful military made the United States a world power. Using its might, the nation built the Panama Canal, one of the greatest engineering achievements of the twentieth century. Go onto the Internet to learn more about the canal.

Destination Title: The Panama Canal
Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window.
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Directions
Start at the Panama Canal history Web site.
  • Click on General Information then on How It Works.
  • Explore the Transit and Operation links.
  • Browse through the Photo Gallery to view current and historical images.
  • Answer the following questions.

1. What is the geographical significance of the Panama Canal?


2. Why are locks necessary on the Panama Canal?


3. How many sets of locks are there? What are their names?


4. In your own words, describe how the Gatun Locks work.
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