The Path Between The Seas

 I finally finished the 590 page book about the Panama Canal that I borrowed from the free library on the Norwegian Joy. The Path Between the Seas by David McCullouogh is a history book about the Panama Canal that included arguments about where to place it. Some people wanted Panama. Others wanted Nicaragua. Nicaragua has a natural lake that would make construction of the canal easier in some respects. Many people (most had never visited Panama nor Nicaragua) were very influential in the decision where to place the canal. Finally, the frequency of volcanoes and earthquakes in Nicaragua was crucial to using Panama. At the time Panama was part of Colombia. The United States supported an uprising to create a new country of Panama. The book starts out with the French attempt to build the canal. When their efforts failed, reputations were tarnished including Gustav Eiffel (Eiffel tower) even though his involvement was secondary. France left their trains and digging machinery which the Americans used when they took over the effort. History books can be dry and this one is dry in spots. I found it fascinating how the Panama Canal led to medical breakthroughs in the prevention and treatment of yellow fever and malaria. I felt bad to learn of the unfair work practices for the workers of color.