View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Back in Paris, in mid-1885, Ferdinand de Lesseps stipulates his Panama project ranks how in comparison to Suez?

2. In June of 1881, Ferdinand de Lesseps pays Park's price, that has increased $200 per share to $250 cash, consuming how much of the company's resources?

3. Ferdinand de Lesseps' second attempt at going public, is the largest financial endeavor yet, with each share ($100) representing a year's income for half of France's working class, but may be bought how?

4. Sen. Spooner offers a Hepburn Bill amendment authorizing the President to acquire the Panama property and concessions for no more than $40 million, only if Colombia relinquishes what?

5. What are the three main routes from the East to the West coasts of the U.S. in January of 1848, when gold is discovered in California?

Short Essay Questions

1. Among the earliest authoritative studies, the Political Essay on the Kingdom of New Spain, published in 1811, is sketchy about a number of things, but is adamant about what?

2. Why does Ferdinand de Lesseps lose interest in the Suez Canal?

3. In Chapter 1 of his book, David McCullough views a number of expeditions that were made in Central America in the early 19th-century looking for the ideal route, but what did he find as common to every canal proposal?

4. What is the result of Gaston Blanchet's proposal for a 400' wide swath to ease surveying?

5. Who is Rear Adm. John Grimes Walker?

6. How does the press report the situation three weeks subsequent to the fire destroying Colon?

7. What is the situation like in Panama when Phillippe Banau-Varilla is appointed acting director of the French project?

8. Why is it that Ferdinand de Lesseps takes on doing the Suez Canal?

9. What transpires when newspaper headlines proclaim the "Great Canal Crash" to readers around the world?

10. What does Ferdinand de Lesseps and those accompanying him encounter at Barbacoas?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"The Hero," subtitle for Chapter 2, is a reference to the sincere respect that surrounded Ferdinand de Lesseps subsequent to his success with the Suez Canal. He was in his 60s then, and could easily have retired on his tremendous success. Yet in 1875, now about 70 years old, he expresses public interest in an interoceanic canal in Central America, and joins with the Turr Syndicate. Is de Lesseps a willing confederate? Is he the guiding light? Is he merely an innocent dupe of the Turr Syndicate leaders? The "Great Engineer" may not have been that, during his life he was many things, but certainly no fool. Why needlessly risk his reputation?

Essay Topic 2

Dr. William Crawford Gorgas is the U.S. Army's foremost expert on tropical diseases when he is assigned to Panama. Where does he receive his training and his experience? From whom does he gain cooperation at Panama, and from whom does he encounter opposition? What are his biggest medical battles? What sorts of problems and why? What successes does he achieve in Panama? How long is he assigned to Panama?

Essay Topic 3

The Panama Canal is built under three American presidents: Theodore Roosevelt, William H. Taft, and Woodrow Wilson. Who can be given the most credit for U.S. success there? What actions or efforts, before, during, or after their time in office, substantiate your position in selecting one over the other two?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,234 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample