The Panama Canal: A history and description of the enterprise

by J. Saxon (John Saxon) Mills

"The Panama Canal: A History and Description of the Enterprise" by J. Saxon Mills is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the complex and often tumultuous journey of constructing the Panama Canal, exploring both the geophysical challenges and the geopolitical intrigues involved. Readers can expect a thorough examination of the canal's significance in global trade and politics, as well as insights into the key figures and events that shaped its development. The opening of the work introduces the reader to the historical backdrop surrounding the Panama Canal. It begins by discussing the geographical challenges posed by the isthmus and the long pursuit of navigable routes by early explorers, including Columbus and Balboa, who sought to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The narrative emphasizes the economic motivations behind the canal's construction and traces various plans proposed by previous navigators and explorers, along with the failed attempts by the French to build the canal. This introduction sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the negotiations, political maneuvering, and engineering feats that ultimately led to the canal's completion.