Ferdinand de Lesseps started work on Panama Canal

Ferdinand de Lesseps, known for his role in the construction of the Suez Canal, initiated the construction of the Panama Canal with the goal of establishing a vital maritime shortcut. The project began in 1882 and was marked by ambitious engineering plans. However, the endeavor faced numerous challenges, including frequent landslides, equipment failures, and the spread of diseases such as malaria and yellow fever among workers. These issues ultimately led to the project's failure and bankruptcy by 1889. Despite the initial optimism surrounding the canal's construction, the difficulties encountered highlighted the complexities of such large-scale engineering projects in challenging environments. Following the collapse of the original effort, a new company was formed in 1894 to recover some of the financial losses, but the remnants of the outdated French machinery remained visible in Panama for decades, serving as a reminder of the ambitious yet unsuccessful attempt to complete the canal.