Why was panama selected over Nicaragua for a canal route?

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cyswxman

With the pre-existing lakes, the route across Panama required the least amount of digging and dredging to create a passage between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

canfield205

Using existing lakes and other bodies of water made it easier to dig the ditch in Panama. The government seemed to be stable enough to venture this idea.
The French had already started the dig and backed out. Therefore, is was partially done already.

Adyari

Because the U.S. spread propaganda saying the Mombacho Volcano (an active volcano on the Island of Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua) would erupt. They did this because the U.S. wanted much control of it, but Nicaragua didn't want their help and the canal route was only going to be financed by China, other Asian countries and some European countries. The U.S. felt jealousy so they took in down to Panama where they owned the canal for a long time and made their chunk of money, something that was not going to happen in Nicaragua for them.

After the Panama Canal was built the U.S. wanted Nicaragua to let the U.S. build a naval base in our country and take control (by lease) of our Caribbean Islands, in part the U.S. would finance the construction of a canal on our land, Nicaragua refused the ridiculous offer. The Nicaragua Canal is being proposed yet again, if Ortega choses for it, i hope its eco-friendly and with no U.S. finance. This of course won't be a problem as both China, Japan and Greece (& hopefully Venezuela and Iran) have already proposed to us they will finance it.

reggae_music_lover

Just a side note. The US operated the canal as a non profit entity I do beleive.

An yes, the US was the only country capable of such a feat. Thousands died accomplishing it due to yellow fever.

And for those bent on bad mouthing the US. They have helped and aided others in need more than any other country on this planet. Not that we haven't had our share of misguided leaders, but read the history books.....do not try to rewrite them.

"By August 15, 1914 the Panama Canal was officially opened by the passing of the SS Ancon. At the time, no single effort in American history had exacted such a price in dollars or in human life. The American expenditures from 1904 to 1914 totaled $352,000,000, far more than the cost of anything built by the United States Government up to that time. Together the French and American expenditures totaled $639,000,000. It took 34 years from the initial effort in 1880 to actually open the Canal in 1914. It is estimated that over 80,000 persons took part in the construction and that over 30,000 lives were lost in both French and American efforts."

Obama is a socialist

It had already been attempted by the French and they failed. US overcame malaria and other things to make it happen. The leftists of Nicarauga are full of dreams that cannot happen and serve only to make those affiliated with the Govt more wealthy. Nicaraugua is poor country, will always be a poor country until is has a real democracy that is geared towards the people and not the rich. I personally despise Nicaruagua and wouldnt go there if it were free.

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