- 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 Suez Canal
C) The Erie Canal
D) The Panama Canal
- 2. Who was the French engineer originally in charge of the Panama Canal?
A) Ferdinand de Lesseps
B) George Goethals
C) William Howard Taft
D) John Stevens
- 3. What was the original French plan for the canal route?
A) To tunnel through the mountains
B) To build a lock system
C) To dig at sea level
D) To use a rail system
- 4. Which American president played a key role in the acquisition of the Panama Canal zone?
A) Harry Truman
B) Theodore Roosevelt
C) William McKinley
D) Woodrow Wilson
- 5. What geographic feature was the biggest obstacle in building the canal?
A) The Isthmus of Tehuantepec
B) The Amazon Basin
C) The Andes Mountains
D) The Continental Divide
- 6. What was the purpose of building locks in the canal?
A) To store water
B) To raise and lower ships
C) To block ships from entering
D) To provide docking facilities
- 7. What major event occurred in 1903 that facilitated the construction of the canal?
A) The start of the Gold Rush
B) The outbreak of World War I
C) The construction of the Suez Canal
D) Panama declared independence from Colombia
- 8. Which disease significantly hampered construction efforts of the canal?
A) Yellow fever
B) Cholera
C) Influenza
D) Typhoid fever
- 9. What term describes the zone surrounding the Panama Canal?
A) Colombian Canal Zone
B) Suez Zone
C) Panama territory
D) Canal Zone
- 10. Who wrote 'The Path Between The Seas'?
A) David McCullough
B) Ken Follett
C) Erik Larson
D) Stephen Ambrose
- 11. Which country originally attempted to build the Panama Canal before the United States?
A) Great Britain
B) France
C) Italy
D) Germany
- 12. How long did the construction of the Panama Canal take?
A) 5 years
B) 20 years
C) About 10 years
D) 15 years
- 13. What year did the French abandon their efforts to build the canal?
A) 1898
B) 1914
C) 1904
D) 1889
- 14. Who led the successful American effort to build the canal?
A) Ferdinand de Lesseps
B) John Frank Stevens
C) George Goethals
D) Theodore Roosevelt
- 15. Which country initially opposed U.S. control of the canal?
A) Colombia
B) Mexico
C) Venezuela
D) Nicaragua
- 16. What innovative process was used to control water levels in the Panama Canal?
A) Rivers diversion
B) Tide manipulation
C) Floodgates
D) Lock system
- 17. In which year was the Panama Canal officially opened?
A) 1920
B) 1914
C) 1918
D) 1910
- 18. Which treaty formally granted the United States control of the canal zone?
A) Panama Canal Treaty
B) Hay-Herran Treaty
C) Root-Takahira Agreement
D) Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty
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