- 1. The Path Between the Seas by David McCullough is a compelling historical narrative that chronicles the monumental endeavor of the construction of the Panama Canal, a project that transformed global trade and navigation in the early 20th century. Through meticulously researched details and vibrant storytelling, McCullough explores the ambitious vision of French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps, who initially spearheaded the effort in the 1880s, only to face insurmountable challenges that ultimately led to the project's failure. The narrative builds upon the tenacious efforts of the United States, under President Theodore Roosevelt's leadership, to take up the mantle and successfully complete the canal in the early 1900s. The book not only delves into the technical and engineering feats involved in overcoming the treacherous jungles and disease-ridden landscapes of Panama but also paints a vivid portrait of the diverse individuals—laborers, diplomats, and revolutionaries—who played pivotal roles in this grand undertaking. With rich descriptions and an engaging style, McCullough captures the human spirit, the politics of imperialism, and the enduring legacy of the canal, making this work a quintessential recounting of one of the greatest engineering achievements in history.
What major project is the focus of 'The Path Between The Seas'?
A) The Thames River
B) The Erie Canal
C) The Suez Canal
D) The Panama Canal
- 2. Who was the French engineer originally in charge of the Panama Canal?
A) George Goethals
B) William Howard Taft
C) Ferdinand de Lesseps
D) John Stevens
- 3. What was the original French plan for the canal route?
A) To dig at sea level
B) To build a lock system
C) To use a rail system
D) To tunnel through the mountains
- 4. Which American president played a key role in the acquisition of the Panama Canal zone?
A) Theodore Roosevelt
B) Harry Truman
C) William McKinley
D) Woodrow Wilson
- 5. What geographic feature was the biggest obstacle in building the canal?
A) The Amazon Basin
B) The Continental Divide
C) The Andes Mountains
D) The Isthmus of Tehuantepec
- 6. What was the purpose of building locks in the canal?
A) To raise and lower ships
B) To provide docking facilities
C) To block ships from entering
D) To store water
- 7. What major event occurred in 1903 that facilitated the construction of the canal?
A) Panama declared independence from Colombia
B) The construction of the Suez Canal
C) The start of the Gold Rush
D) The outbreak of World War I
- 8. Which disease significantly hampered construction efforts of the canal?
A) Cholera
B) Yellow fever
C) Typhoid fever
D) Influenza
- 9. What term describes the zone surrounding the Panama Canal?
A) Colombian Canal Zone
B) Canal Zone
C) Suez Zone
D) Panama territory
- 10. Who wrote 'The Path Between The Seas'?
A) Erik Larson
B) David McCullough
C) Stephen Ambrose
D) Ken Follett
- 11. Which country originally attempted to build the Panama Canal before the United States?
A) Great Britain
B) Italy
C) France
D) Germany
- 12. How long did the construction of the Panama Canal take?
A) 5 years
B) About 10 years
C) 20 years
D) 15 years
- 13. What year did the French abandon their efforts to build the canal?
A) 1904
B) 1914
C) 1898
D) 1889
- 14. Who led the successful American effort to build the canal?
A) Ferdinand de Lesseps
B) George Goethals
C) John Frank Stevens
D) Theodore Roosevelt
- 15. Which country initially opposed U.S. control of the canal?
A) Venezuela
B) Mexico
C) Nicaragua
D) Colombia
- 16. What innovative process was used to control water levels in the Panama Canal?
A) Rivers diversion
B) Floodgates
C) Tide manipulation
D) Lock system
- 17. In which year was the Panama Canal officially opened?
A) 1914
B) 1910
C) 1920
D) 1918
- 18. Which treaty formally granted the United States control of the canal zone?
A) Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty
B) Hay-Herran Treaty
C) Root-Takahira Agreement
D) Panama Canal Treaty
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