Prowling about Panama Informative Summary

Overview:

“Prowling about Panama” by George A. Miller offers a unique and insightful glimpse into the vibrant and complex tapestry of Panama in 1919. The book explores the Isthmus’s captivating history, from its discovery by Columbus to the construction of the Panama Canal, highlighting the tumultuous and often brutal past. Miller dives into the diverse cultural landscape, painting vivid pictures of the native Panamanian people, the West Indian communities, and the ever-present influence of Chinese merchants. He further examines the economic realities of the country, highlighting the challenges faced by the native population and the potential for growth presented by the Panama Canal.

Miller’s writing is filled with engaging anecdotes and observations, offering readers a glimpse into the daily life of Panama. He describes the unique blend of cultures that makes Panama a fascinating melting pot, with individuals from across the globe living and working together. He explores the beauty and challenges of the jungle, the charm of the cities, and the enduring legacy of the Panama Canal.

Key Findings:

Panama is a fascinating blend of history, culture, and environmental beauty, offering a unique insight into the diverse nature of the Americas.
The Panama Canal, a testament to human ingenuity and ambition, profoundly impacted the global landscape, influencing trade routes, economic development, and social transformations.
The native Panamanian population faces significant challenges, including poverty, lack of education, and the legacy of historical oppression.
The West Indian community plays a crucial role in the workforce, particularly on the Panama Canal Zone, but faces economic and social hardships.
While the country boasts significant natural resources, economic progress remains hindered by a combination of historical factors, including political instability, corruption, and a lack of investment.

Learning:

The impact of the Panama Canal: The canal revolutionized global trade, shortening travel routes and significantly impacting international commerce. Its impact extends beyond its practical benefits, shaping the geopolitical landscape and fostering new connections between nations.
Understanding the challenges of development: Panama’s development is intricately tied to the historical factors that have shaped its present state. Historical oppression, limited educational opportunities, and a lack of infrastructure contribute to the economic challenges faced by many Panamanians.
The complexities of cultural diversity: Panama serves as a microcosm of cultural diversity, highlighting the beauty and challenges of coexisting cultures. Understanding the nuances of these various communities is crucial for fostering respect, understanding, and positive change.
The power of social responsibility: The text emphasizes the importance of social responsibility in fostering positive change. Miller underscores the need for fair wages, accessible education, and improved living conditions for the diverse populations of Panama.
The transformative power of education: Education is presented as a key tool for empowering individuals and communities. By advocating for accessible and relevant education, we can foster greater social mobility, economic opportunity, and individual empowerment.

Historical Context:

The text takes readers back in time, revealing the rich and often tumultuous history of the Isthmus of Panama. It explores the era of Spanish colonization, the arrival of pirates, the gold rush, and the subsequent struggles for independence. The text paints a vivid picture of the challenges and transformations that have shaped the region, providing a historical context for understanding Panama’s present condition.

Facts:

Oldest inhabited town in the New World: Nata, founded in 1520, holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited town in the Americas.
The Trail of Las Cruces: This historic trail, used for centuries to transport gold from Peru, was a dangerous and violent path, marked by frequent robberies and murders.
Balboa’s Discovery of the Pacific Ocean: In 1513, Vasco Núñez de Balboa became the first European to sight the Pacific Ocean, claiming the surrounding lands for the Spanish crown.
Henry Morgan’s Sacking of Old Panama: The infamous pirate Henry Morgan led a devastating attack on Old Panama in 1671, marking the city’s downfall and the end of its era of prosperity.
The Panama Railroad: The completion of the Panama Railroad in 1855 provided a crucial transportation link across the Isthmus, revolutionizing trade and ushering in a new era of growth.
The French Canal Company: The French made an ambitious attempt to build a canal in the late 19th century, but failed due to financial mismanagement and rampant disease.
The American Acquisition of the Canal Zone: The United States purchased the Canal Zone from Panama in 1903, securing control over the vital waterway and guaranteeing Panama’s independence.
The Elimination of Yellow Fever: The successful efforts of Dr. William Gorgas, during the construction of the canal, eradicated yellow fever, a significant public health triumph.
The West Indian Labor Force: West Indians played a critical role in the construction and ongoing operation of the Panama Canal, providing much of the labor.
Panama’s Diverse Population: The population of Panama is a rich mix of native Panamanians, West Indians, and Chinese merchants, creating a unique cultural tapestry.
Panama’s Natural Resources: The country boasts vast and diverse natural resources, including fertile land, abundant water, dense forests, and mineral deposits.
The Chiriqui Province: This province, located in western Panama, is known for its fertile land, cattle ranches, and agricultural potential.
The Political Instability of Latin America: The text highlights the history of political instability in Latin America, often marked by revolutions and frequent changes in government.
The Influence of Jesuitism: The text argues that the dominance of Jesuitism, a strict and often intolerant form of Catholicism, has played a significant role in hindering social and intellectual progress in Latin America.
The Importance of Education: Miller underscores the importance of education in empowering individuals and fostering national development.
The Growth of Protestantism: The text discusses the rise of Protestantism in Panama and Central America and its potential impact on the region’s social and moral development.
The Importance of Inter-American Relations: The book emphasizes the growing significance of inter-American relations, particularly in the context of the Panama Canal and the economic and cultural opportunities presented by closer ties between North and South America.
The Role of the Monroe Doctrine: The Monroe Doctrine, while intended to protect Latin America from European intervention, has often been viewed as a form of paternalism by Latin American nations.
The Potential of Latin American Resources: Latin America possesses vast untapped resources and a rich cultural heritage, with the potential for significant growth and development.

Statistics:

Panama’s size: Panama is approximately two-thirds the size of Cuba.
Panama’s population: Panama has about one-third the population of Cuba.
The Panama Canal’s Construction Cost: The total cost of constructing the Panama Canal was approximately $375,000,000.
The Panama Railroad’s Concession: The Panama Railroad concession granted to a US company in the 19th century obligated the company to pay $250,000 annually to Colombia (later Panama).
The Death Toll of the French Canal Company: During the French construction efforts, over 55,000 people died, mostly from disease.
The Cost of Living on the Canal Zone: The cost of living on the Canal Zone was significantly higher than in the Caribbean Islands, making the wages paid to West Indian workers, though higher than their former wages, inadequate.
The Birth Rate in Panama: Only 30% of births in Panama are to married parents.
Hookworm Prevalence: The Rockefeller Foundation found 80% of the Panamanian population in the provinces infected with hookworm.
The Size of the West Indian Population on the Canal Zone: Over 25,000 West Indians live and work on the Canal Zone.
The West Indian Labor Force on Banana Plantations: 40-50,000 West Indians work on banana plantations along the Atlantic coast.
The Cost of Shipping via Panama: Shipping between New York and San Francisco via Panama is 7,873 miles shorter than the route via Magellan.
South America’s Foreign Trade: The combined foreign trade of South America’s west coast nations, prior to World War I, reached nearly $1 billion annually.

Terms:

Prowling: The act of exploring and observing a place with curiosity and insight.
Tao/Peon: A common laborer, often of indigenous or mixed heritage.
Ignorante: An uneducated person.
Llanos: Vast grasslands, particularly found in South America.
Coche: A horse-drawn carriage or cart.
Alcalde: A local official, typically serving as mayor or chief magistrate.
Naturales: Illegitimate children.
Chinga: A type of boat commonly used in Panama.
Chino: Chinese, often referring to Chinese merchants or store owners.
Tienda: A small store or shop.

Examples:

The Chinese Merchant: The text describes the widespread presence of Chinese merchants in Panama, operating shops and engaging in various business activities.
The Native Peon: The text provides numerous examples of the struggles faced by the native Panamanian population, their susceptibility to exploitation, and the limitations of their opportunities.
The West Indian Laborer: Miller describes the essential role of the West Indian workforce in the construction and operation of the Panama Canal, as well as their living conditions and economic challenges.
The Panama Canal: The text offers a detailed account of the construction and operation of the Panama Canal, highlighting its impressive engineering feats and its transformative impact on global trade.
The Union Church: The text describes the formation of the Union Church of the Canal Zone, a collaborative effort by various Protestant denominations to provide religious services to the American community.
The “Christ of the Andes” Statue: The statue, erected on the border between Argentina and Chile, stands as a symbol of peace and reconciliation between the two nations.
The San Blas Indians: The text mentions the San Blas Indians, a relatively isolated indigenous group, who maintain their traditional way of life.

Conclusion:

“Prowling about Panama” offers a captivating and multifaceted look into the heart of Panama in 1919. The book highlights the historical complexities of the Isthmus, the rich cultural diversity that defines the region, and the enduring legacy of the Panama Canal. Miller’s insights into the economic realities, social challenges, and political dynamics of the country provide a valuable context for understanding Panama’s journey towards progress.

The text urges readers to move beyond mere observation and embrace a deeper understanding of the people, their history, and their aspirations. It emphasizes the importance of compassion, respect, and the transformative power of education in fostering positive change. As Panama continues to navigate its path towards development, the text serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering a unified spirit of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared prosperity between the diverse communities of the Americas.

Learn more