What did the author, H.R. Hill, cite as a major reason for constructing the Panama Canal?
- To improve communication between the United States and its Western territories.
- To shorten shipping routes and reduce travel times between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
- To create a new trade route for goods from Asia to Europe.
- To establish a military presence in Central America.
Correct Answer: To shorten shipping routes and reduce travel times between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill argued that a Panama Canal would revolutionize global trade by significantly reducing travel times between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This would facilitate faster and more efficient movement of goods between Europe, North America, and Asia.
What was the primary reason Hill believed the Panama Canal project was feasible in 1845?
- The abundance of available labor in Panama.
- The favorable climate on the Isthmus.
- The recent advancements in technology like steam navigation and railways.
- The willingness of the New Granada government to fund the project.
Correct Answer: The recent advancements in technology like steam navigation and railways.
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill acknowledged that the canal project had been discussed for centuries, but he believed that the recent breakthroughs in transportation technology, such as steam navigation and railways, made the project achievable. He cited these advancements as evidence that previously considered impossible projects could now be realized.
What specific concern did Hill acknowledge about the climate in the region of the proposed canal?
- Frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
- The potential for flooding and landslides.
- The risk of disease and illness.
- The harshness of the tropical climate.
Correct Answer: The risk of disease and illness.
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill acknowledged that the climate on the Atlantic side of the Isthmus was challenging and posed health risks, particularly the potential for malaria and other tropical diseases. However, he maintained that these risks could be mitigated through careful planning and proactive measures, such as building protective housing and implementing robust health regulations.
What geographic feature did Hill highlight as a key advantage of the proposed Panama Canal route?
- The presence of large, flat plains for construction.
- The abundance of readily available construction materials.
- The existence of navigable rivers that could be incorporated into the canal.
- The accessibility of the Isthmus from both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Correct Answer: The existence of navigable rivers that could be incorporated into the canal.
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill emphasized the strategic advantages of using the navigable rivers of the Chagres and Rio Grande as part of the canal route. He believed that these rivers would significantly simplify construction and reduce the overall length of the canal, making the project more economical and efficient.
What was the estimated annual profit from the canal, as presented in the pamphlet?
- £100,000
- £200,000
- £293,333
- £500,000
Correct Answer: £293,333
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill calculated the estimated annual profit from the canal at £293,333, which represented a return of over 14½ per cent on the total estimated outlay of £2,000,000. This high return on investment, combined with the economic and strategic importance of the canal, made the project very appealing to potential investors.
What was the name of the town located on the north bank of the Chagres River, which Hill described as being navigable to Cruces?
- Panama City
- Chagres
- Porto Bello
- Cruces
Correct Answer: Chagres
Correct Answer Explanation: Chagres was a town located on the north bank of the Chagres River, which Hill described as being navigable to Cruces. He believed that incorporating the Chagres River into the canal route would significantly reduce construction costs and shorten the overall length of the canal.
What historical event was mentioned as evidence of the potential for a Panama canal to be successful?
- The discovery of gold in California.
- The American Civil War.
- The sacking of Panama City by the buccaneer Morgan.
- The signing of the Treaty of Versailles.
Correct Answer: The sacking of Panama City by the buccaneer Morgan.
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill referenced the sacking of Panama City by the buccaneer Morgan in 1670 as an example of the historical vulnerability of the Isthmus to attack. He argued that the construction of a canal would create a strategic advantage for the nation controlling it, enhancing its maritime power and securing access to crucial shipping routes.
What significant geographic feature on the Pacific side of the Isthmus did Hill identify as a potential location for the canal’s Pacific terminus?
- The Bay of Limon.
- The Ensenada de Voca de Monte.
- The River Farfan.
- The Lake of Vino Tinto.
Correct Answer: The Ensenada de Voca de Monte.
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill identified the Ensenada de Voca de Monte, located on the Pacific side of the Isthmus, as a potential location for the canal’s Pacific terminus. He highlighted its depth and suitability for large ships, making it a viable option for connecting the canal to the Pacific Ocean.
Who was the individual who conducted a survey of the Isthmus of Panama, commissioned by the French government, which Hill cited as evidence for the feasibility of the project?
- M. Morel
- M. Garella
- Robertson
- Lloyd
Correct Answer: M. Garella
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill cited M. Garella’s survey, commissioned by the French government, as evidence for the practicability of the canal project. Garella’s survey, though conflicting in some aspects with other reports, provided valuable data on the Isthmus’s geography and the potential obstacles that would need to be overcome in constructing a canal.
According to Hill’s pamphlet, what was the estimated annual tonnage of vessels that would use the canal?
- 500,000 tons
- 600,000 tons
- 700,000 tons
- 800,000 tons
Correct Answer: 800,000 tons
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill estimated that the canal would handle 800,000 tons of shipping annually, taking into account the anticipated growth in trade to the South Seas and the shift away from the Cape of Good Hope route. This high volume of traffic would generate significant revenue for the canal operators, further bolstering the project’s economic viability.
What did Hill propose as a mechanism for financing the construction of the Panama Canal?
- A government-backed loan program.
- A public subscription drive.
- A Joint Stock Company funded by major maritime powers.
- A combination of public and private funding.
Correct Answer: A Joint Stock Company funded by major maritime powers.
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill advocated for the formation of a Joint Stock Company, backed by financial contributions from major maritime powers, to undertake the construction of the Panama Canal. He believed that this model would leverage the financial resources and influence of these nations to realize the project.
What specific example did Hill use to demonstrate that skilled workers could be recruited and utilized effectively in a tropical climate?
- The construction of the Caledonian Canal.
- The building of the Havana Railway.
- The excavation of the Suez Canal.
- The construction of the Panama City fortifications.
Correct Answer: The building of the Havana Railway.
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill referenced the construction of the Havana Railway, which was built mainly by Irish laborers, as an example of how to recruit and utilize skilled workers in a tropical climate. This demonstrated that overcoming the challenges of a hot and humid environment was feasible, providing reassurance to potential investors.
What specific geographic feature, according to Hill, could be incorporated into the canal route to connect the Chagres River to the Pacific Ocean?
- The Bay of Limon.
- The Ensenada de Voca de Monte.
- The River Farfan.
- The Lake of Vino Tinto.
Correct Answer: The River Farfan.
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill proposed utilizing the River Farfan, a branch of the Rio Grande that flowed into the Pacific Ocean near Panama, to connect the Chagres River to the Pacific Ocean. This would shorten the canal route and leverage an existing waterway, minimizing the need for extensive excavation.
What did Hill suggest as a potential solution for addressing the risk of disease and illness in the region of the proposed canal?
- Implementing strict quarantine measures.
- Providing free healthcare to all workers.
- Building protective housing for workers.
- Using advanced medical technology.
Correct Answer: Building protective housing for workers.
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill advocated for the construction of protective housing for workers to mitigate the risks of disease and illness. He believed that providing adequate shelter, particularly for European workers who were less accustomed to the tropical climate, would improve their health and reduce the likelihood of contracting diseases.
What was the estimated length of the canal, if it were to be cut along the shorter route utilizing the rivers?
- 25 miles
- 35 miles
- 45 miles
- 55 miles
Correct Answer: 25 miles
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill proposed a shorter route for the canal, utilizing the navigable rivers of the Chagres and Rio Grande, which he estimated to be 25 miles long. This route would significantly reduce construction costs and expedite the project compared to cutting a canal across the entire width of the Isthmus.
What did Hill cite as the primary reason for the high mortality rate in the lowlands around Chagres?
- The lack of access to clean water.
- The prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases.
- The imprudence of European visitors who engaged in unhealthy practices.
- The presence of toxic chemicals in the soil.
Correct Answer: The imprudence of European visitors who engaged in unhealthy practices.
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill attributed the high mortality rate in the lowlands around Chagres to the imprudence of European visitors who engaged in unhealthy practices, such as sleeping in the open air and excessive drinking. He stressed that proper hygiene and sensible behavior would significantly improve the health and survival rates of workers.
What did Hill propose as the primary source of water for the proposed canal?
- The Atlantic Ocean.
- The Pacific Ocean.
- The Chagres River.
- The Lake of Vino Tinto.
Correct Answer: The Chagres River.
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill proposed using the Chagres River as the primary source of water for the canal. He believed that the river’s flow and its proximity to the proposed route made it an ideal and readily available source for supplying water to the canal.
What specific geographical feature, according to Hill, offered a large and spacious harbor with enough depth for even the largest ships, making it an ideal location for the Atlantic terminus of the proposed canal?
- The Bay of Limon.
- The Ensenada de Voca de Monte.
- The River Farfan.
- The Lake of Vino Tinto.
Correct Answer: The Bay of Limon.
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill highlighted the Bay of Limon, also known as Navy Bay, as a large and spacious harbor with sufficient depth for even the largest ships. He believed that its accessibility and natural features made it an ideal location for the Atlantic terminus of the proposed canal.
What was the estimated number of workers already enrolled by the government of New Granada for the project?
- 1,000
- 2,000
- 3,000
- 4,000 or more
Correct Answer: 4,000 or more
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill reported that the government of New Granada had already enrolled 4,000 or more workers for the canal project. This demonstrated that the project was already underway and that the government was committed to its success, signaling to potential investors that the project had strong support and a dedicated workforce.
What was the estimated difference in height between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, according to M. Garella?
- 2 meters and 80 centimeters (9 feet and 2 inches)
- 5 meters and 50 centimeters (18 feet and 2 inches)
- 8 meters and 20 centimeters (27 feet and 1 inch)
- 11 meters and 10 centimeters (36 feet and 2 inches)
Correct Answer: 2 meters and 80 centimeters (9 feet and 2 inches)
Correct Answer Explanation: M. Garella, in his survey of the Isthmus of Panama, estimated the difference in height between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans to be 2 meters and 80 centimeters (9 feet and 2 inches). This elevation difference would require locks to be incorporated into the canal to facilitate the passage of ships between the two oceans.
What was the estimated cost of constructing the tunnel proposed by M. Garella?
- 22 million francs (£880,000)
- 33 million francs (£1,320,000)
- 44 million francs (£1,760,000)
- 55 million francs (£2,200,000)
Correct Answer: 44 million francs (£1,760,000)
Correct Answer Explanation: M. Garella’s proposed route for the canal included a tunnel, which he estimated would cost 44 million francs (£1,760,000) to construct. This highlighted the substantial financial investment required for the project, but also emphasized the feasibility of undertaking such a complex engineering feat given the advancements in technology and the availability of skilled labor.
What was the name of the city that was founded by Spanish emperor Charles the Fifth in 1521?
- Chagres
- Cruces
- Panama City
- Porto Bello
Correct Answer: Panama City
Correct Answer Explanation: The city of Panama was founded in 1521 by Spanish emperor Charles the Fifth. Its strategic location on the Isthmus made it a vital hub for trade and transportation between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, highlighting the importance of the region throughout history.
Which of the following historical figures was mentioned as a proponent of the idea for a Panama Canal?
- Christopher Columbus
- Sir Francis Drake
- Henry Hudson
- Ferdinand Magellan
Correct Answer: Christopher Columbus
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill referenced Christopher Columbus’s voyages as an example of the historical desire for a faster route to the East Indies, highlighting the long-standing goal of connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This demonstrated that the idea for a Panama Canal had a long history and was a goal pursued by explorers for centuries.
What was the estimated length of the proposed canal, if it were to be cut across the whole width of the Isthmus?
- 25 miles
- 38 miles
- 58 miles
- 75 miles
Correct Answer: 58 miles
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill estimated that the canal, if cut across the entire width of the Isthmus, would be 58 miles long. This provided a comparison point for the shorter route utilizing the rivers, highlighting the potential cost savings and efficiency gains that could be achieved by incorporating existing waterways.
What was the proposed method of transportation for goods across the Isthmus before the canal was built?
- Horse-drawn carriages
- Sailing ships
- Railway lines
- Pack animals
Correct Answer: Railway lines
Correct Answer Explanation: The pamphlet described the construction of a tram-road, a type of early railway, across the Isthmus as a means of transporting goods before the canal was built. This reflected the advancements in transportation technology of the time and highlighted the potential for the canal to further improve efficiency and reduce transportation costs.
What was the name of the government that offered to grant land for the construction of the canal, free of rent or burdens, for a period of 60-80 years?
- The United States
- The United Kingdom
- The Kingdom of the Netherlands
- The government of New Granada
Correct Answer: The government of New Granada
Correct Answer Explanation: The pamphlet stated that the government of New Granada, the country that encompassed the Isthmus of Panama at the time, offered to grant land for the construction of the canal, free of rent or burdens, for a period of 60-80 years. This demonstrated the government’s commitment to the project and its belief in its potential to benefit the country.
What was the primary reason Hill believed that private enterprise was the best way to finance and construct the Panama Canal?
- Private companies were more efficient and cost-effective than government agencies.
- Private companies were more willing to take risks than government agencies.
- Private companies were more likely to focus on profits rather than public good.
- Private companies were more likely to have access to the necessary capital and expertise.
Correct Answer: Private companies were more likely to have access to the necessary capital and expertise.
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill argued that a Joint Stock Company, funded by major maritime powers, was the most effective way to finance and construct the Panama Canal because it would leverage the capital and expertise of private companies. He believed that this approach would bring together the financial resources and technical knowledge needed to successfully complete the ambitious project.
What was the estimated cost of constructing a tram-road across the Isthmus?
- £10,000
- £20,000
- £30,000
- £40,000
Correct Answer: £40,000
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill estimated that the cost of constructing a tram-road across the Isthmus, a type of early railway, would be £40,000. This highlighted the significant investment already being made in transportation infrastructure in the region and foreshadowed the potential for even greater investment with the construction of the canal.
What was the name of the bay located east of Chagres, which Hill described as offering a large and spacious harbor with enough depth for large ships?
- The Bay of Chorrera
- The Bay of Limon
- The Ensenada de Voca de Monte
- The Lake of Vino Tinto
Correct Answer: The Bay of Limon
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill described the Bay of Limon, also known as Navy Bay, as a large and spacious harbor with sufficient depth for even the largest ships. He believed that its accessibility and natural features made it an ideal location for the Atlantic terminus of the proposed canal, providing a safe and efficient point of entry for ships entering the canal.
What was the proposed method of transportation for workers and supplies to the site of the proposed canal?
- Steam ships
- Pack animals
- Railway lines
- Horse-drawn carriages
Correct Answer: Railway lines
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill proposed using railway lines to transport workers and supplies to the site of the proposed canal, leveraging the advancements in transportation technology of the time. This would ensure efficient and reliable movement of personnel and materials, expediting the construction process.
What was the estimated height of the tunnel proposed by M. Garella?
- 50 feet
- 75 feet
- 100 feet
- 125 feet
Correct Answer: 100 feet
Correct Answer Explanation: M. Garella proposed a tunnel as part of his canal route, which he estimated would be 100 feet above the surface of the canal. This tunnel would require advanced engineering and construction techniques, demonstrating the technical challenges that would need to be overcome in building the canal.
What was the estimated depth of water at high tide in the Ensenada de Voca de Monte, the proposed Pacific terminus of the canal?
- 4 meters (13 feet and 1 inch)
- 5 meters and 50 centimeters (18 feet and 2 inches)
- 7 meters and 20 centimeters (23 feet and 6 inches)
- 9 meters and 10 centimeters (29 feet and 6 inches)
Correct Answer: 7 meters and 20 centimeters (23 feet and 6 inches)
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill estimated that the depth of water at high tide in the Ensenada de Voca de Monte, the proposed Pacific terminus of the canal, would be 7 meters and 20 centimeters (23 feet and 6 inches). This depth would ensure sufficient clearance for large ships entering and exiting the canal from the Pacific Ocean.
What was the estimated length of the tunnel proposed by M. Garella?
- 2,000 meters (about 1.2 miles)
- 3,000 meters (about 1.9 miles)
- 4,000 meters (about 2.5 miles)
- 5,350 meters (about 3 miles)
Correct Answer: 5,350 meters (about 3 miles)
Correct Answer Explanation: M. Garella estimated that the tunnel, which was part of his proposed canal route, would be 5,350 meters (about 3 miles) long. This highlighted the substantial engineering feat that would be required to construct the tunnel and the potential challenges involved in excavating such a significant length of rock and earth.
What was the proposed tonnage duty that would be charged to vessels using the canal?
- $1 per ton
- $2 per ton
- $3 per ton
- $4 per ton
Correct Answer: $2 per ton
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill proposed a tonnage duty of $2 per ton for vessels using the canal, which he estimated would generate $1,600,000 in annual revenue. This fee would provide a significant source of income for the canal operators and help to finance the ongoing maintenance and operation of the canal.
What was the estimated number of locks needed for the canal, based on M. Garella’s proposed route?
- 10 at each declivity
- 20 at each declivity
- 30 at each declivity
- 40 at each declivity
Correct Answer: 30 at each declivity
Correct Answer Explanation: M. Garella estimated that the canal would require 30 locks at each declivity to raise or lower ships between different elevations. This highlighted the complexity of the canal’s design and the advanced engineering required to manage the elevation changes between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
What was the estimated depth of the Chagres River to its junction with the Trinidad River?
- 10 to 15 feet
- 12 to 18 feet
- 16½ to 22 feet
- 19 to 25 feet
Correct Answer: 16½ to 22 feet
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill estimated that the depth of the Chagres River to its junction with the Trinidad River would be between 16½ and 22 feet. This depth, combined with the river’s width, made it suitable for incorporating into the canal route and reducing the amount of excavation required.
What was the estimated width of the Chagres River from its mouth to the Trinidad River?
- 150 feet
- 180 feet
- 220 feet
- 250 feet
Correct Answer: 220 feet
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill estimated that the width of the Chagres River from its mouth to the Trinidad River would be 220 feet. This provided sufficient width for ships to navigate and made the river a valuable asset for incorporating into the canal route.
Which of the following was NOT mentioned as a potential challenge for constructing the Panama Canal?
- The challenging climate and potential for disease.
- The lack of skilled labor.
- The availability of funding.
- The presence of rugged terrain and dense jungle.
Correct Answer: The availability of funding.
Correct Answer Explanation: While funding was an important consideration for the project, Hill expressed confidence that the canal’s economic benefits and strategic importance would attract sufficient investment from major maritime powers. The other options listed were all presented as potential challenges that needed to be addressed.
What was the estimated depth of water at low tide in the Ensenada de Voca de Monte, the proposed Pacific terminus of the canal?
- 2 meters (6 feet and 6 inches)
- 3 meters (9 feet and 10 inches)
- 4 meters (13 feet and 1 inch)
- 5 meters (16 feet and 4 inches)
Correct Answer: 4 meters (13 feet and 1 inch)
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill estimated that the depth of water at low tide in the Ensenada de Voca de Monte, the proposed Pacific terminus of the canal, would be 4 meters (13 feet and 1 inch). While this depth would be sufficient for smaller ships, the estimated depth at high tide (7 meters and 20 centimeters) ensured that the terminus could accommodate larger vessels.
What was the estimated annual tonnage of vessels belonging to England, France, the United States, and Holland, trading in countries that would benefit from the canal?
- 250,000 tons
- 500,000 tons
- 799,427 tons
- 1,000,000 tons
Correct Answer: 799,427 tons
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill estimated that the annual tonnage of vessels belonging to England, France, the United States, and Holland, trading in countries that would benefit from the canal, was 799,427 tons. This demonstrated the potential market for the canal and the significant economic activity that it would facilitate.
What was the estimated depth of water in the Bay of Limon, the proposed Atlantic terminus of the canal?
- 5 meters (16 feet and 4 inches)
- 8 meters (26 feet and 2 inches)
- 10 meters (35 feet and 5 inches)
- 12 meters (39 feet and 4 inches)
Correct Answer: 10 meters (35 feet and 5 inches)
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill described the Bay of Limon as having a depth of 10 meters (35 feet and 5 inches), providing ample clearance for large ships entering and exiting the canal from the Atlantic Ocean. This depth, combined with its size and accessibility, made it an ideal location for the canal’s Atlantic terminus.
What was the name of the river that Hill described as being navigable to Embarcadero, which was located five leagues from the mouth of the Chagres River?
- The River Farfan
- The River Trinidad
- The River Chagres
- The Rio Grande
Correct Answer: The River Trinidad
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill highlighted the River Trinidad as being navigable to Embarcadero, a location five leagues from the mouth of the Chagres River. He proposed incorporating this river into the canal route, leveraging its navigability to reduce the amount of excavation required and shorten the overall canal length.
What did Hill cite as a potential source of income for the canal operators, besides the tonnage duty charged to vessels?
- The sale of land along the canal.
- The lease of land for commercial development.
- The sale of water from the canal.
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Hill envisioned that the canal operators could generate income from various sources, including the sale of land along the canal, the lease of land for commercial development, and the sale of water from the canal. These additional revenue streams would enhance the project’s financial sustainability and provide long-term economic benefits for the canal operators.