Control The Choke Point: How The US Stole The Panama Canal 

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Philippe must be the only engineer in history who can put “created a nation to support project” on their resume.

When the French were under the construction of the canal people actually didn’t know that the mosquitos were causing the yellow fever that was killing the workers, they thought the ants are the ones transmitting it. So nurses put water bowls under the beds’s legs of the workers so that the ants don’t come crawling to the workers but instead it just make the perfect breading ground for the mosquitos causing more deaths.

Yes very sad we colombians (I'm colombian) lost Panama. But let me tell you this: I was in Panamá one month ago, and they are freaking waaaaay better without us. Being independent from Colombia is the best thing that could ever happen to them.

If teachers taught history like this, it would be every child's favorite subject!

Phillipe really was the embodiment of the saying, “Don’t let your dreams be dreams” in the most conniving and manipulative sense of the word. Man really wanted that canal lmao

A couple of years ago I never would have thought I would be learning history from the Vox Borders guy. Seriously, his videos are incredible. Especially when considering it's basically just one guy.

Panamanian here. A very accurate retelling of this amazing story that gave birth to my country! Props Johnny!

Oh my God. I’m Panamanian and this videos has totally blown my mind. I had always heard about the Hay Bunau Varilla Treaty and I never knew its real background story. It’s so wild how Philippe literally tricked us to build the canal which caused us so many conflicts with the US. It’s the best video I’ve ever seen about the canal story. Great job! 🙌🏽

Shouts out to Phillipe, who held the bag so hard that he orchestrated a coup and changed the course of global events just to get his investment back

Phillipe has big “apply for the job you’re severely unqualified for” energy

Great video! But you forgot to mention two things: first, the were dozens of panamanian villages across de river with thousands of habitants which were forced to leave their lands in order for the canal to be built. Whole villages lay deep in the waters of the artificial lake. Second, panama proved the world that they can not only administrate the canal by themselves but also built a new set of locks in order to pass the post panamax ships (biggest container ships atm) by themselves. It is in fact a engineering wonder brought to reality by different nations.

Thank you Johnny. The story telling was amazing. I love to see your video man. 🤗👏

Oh those photos of Teddy weren't propaganda, Teddy just actually wanted to play with the big machines 100%

Hi Johnny, this was a really cool video. I am panamenian and this story has been told to us in school a lot of times but you have made a great work explaining it. Thank you for sharing this with the world :D

Fun fact: When the French were building the canal, and they didn't know what was causing the diseases that were killing their men (now we know it was because of the mosquitoes), they thought that putting buckets full of water in the legs of their bed would help to minimize the spread of the diseases. It actually ended up making it worse because the mosquitoes were using these buckets to lay their eggs.

This was one of the most entertaining tellings of the Panama Canal story. Excellent job!

Johnny is the history teacher we all wish we had, the librarian who knows those books which won't let us sleep at night, that father's friend who always has these interesting stories to share. I was sad when Johnny left Vox, now tho I couldn't be happier. Thanks for all the great work :)

I'm a Panamanian, and even tho I've been taught this in school for years, you have a way of telling it that is just fascinating. Fun fact: After we got the canal back, we basically built it again by making the canal expansion with an entirely new and larger set of locks. Today most of the canal has been built by Panama itself.

Como panameña es muy agradable el pequeño resumen que has hecho sobre la historia del Canal de Panamá y su ocupación por los EE. UU. Sería genial si hubiese podido hablar mucho más a detalle sobre como fue la presencia estadounidense en el país y cuales fueron aquellas consecuencias que marcaron un antes y después en la historia panameña, la historia de las relaciones entre Panamá y EE. UU es de las más interesantes que podrán ver :)

I've through the Panama canal three times in the early 1980s and each times was fascinating! The pilots had complete control of the ships unlike other waterways. To enter a lock we had to go full ahead to push the water out to take its place.

Your storytelling ability just keeps getting better. I couldn't wait to hear the next part of that story.

the irony is, the volcanos that "threatened" the canal project in Nicaragua were on the opposite side of the lake where the canal was planned to be built and no active volcanos were threatening the canal from the south (all of them were north). The nearest active volcano was a good 70 miles north of the canal zone and was of no threat to the canal in any way.

I LOVE the way you tell the stories!! Your delivery really makes it stick. Please continue

I'm a bit late to this, just wanted to add that this was possible because Colombia was also at the gripes of a civil war (Thousand Day war) as they thought us in school in Panama. So it's not so much that Colombia said yeah just do whatever you want but more like their hands were full with other more pressing problems. Also that another set of bigger locks has been built and it's awesome.

The Phillepe guy, woah. I can't decide if I like him or not but I damn well admire him. Just how did a single French engineer manage to single-handedly manipulate and maneuver three countries, and slickly worked his way out. Just WOW.

If you are interested, there is a book called "Erased: The Untold Story of the Panama Canal" in which details of the takeover of the Panama Canal lands and the establishment of the Canal Zone are laid out. As a Panamanian who is still learning about his country's history, thanks for the video, great as usual :)

This video is the most dynamic, entertaining, comprehensive history lesson on Panama throughout the canal building process. Very impressive!

Great interesting engineering video john & team! Thanks for bringing all these interesting videos to light!

Millions of kids will now understand the history behind Panama. Thanks Johnny for explaining history in a way that is relatable and interesting.

It's amazing how you can keep everyone interested for 20 min about history, even people that are not interested in history at all, you are an amazing storyteller Johnny, I learned a lot from you as a Content Creator. Thanks!

Man, your storytelling cracks me up :D Very informative, should be included in history lessons in school.

Brilliant illustrations, absolutely enjoying watching so many levels of information, no doubt this is a great engineering works

When Vox restarts borders with someone else. Johnny: How Vox stole my content 😂 Edit: Thanks for the likes everyone (I know you're laughing too, Johnny 😂)

I grew up in the former Canal Zone area and it was very exciting hearing Johnny talk about it with such historical accuracy. I've seen many documentaries throughout the years with fatal historical errors (usually from the American point of view, which oftentimes depicted them as the world superheroes) but this one really gets it right. Thanks Johnny.

The Rideau canal also uses the lock system. The canal connect Ottawa to the st. Lawrence river in Kingston is 202km long and was built in 1832. It uses 45 locks at 23 stations and most are still hand operated. It’s the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America.

Loved the way this piece of history was presented ! So engaging!!!

Hey, Johnny! I really enjoy your content. One thing that I feel is missing and would strengthen the channel would be use of dates or timelines to keep track of important relevant historical dates, times, etc. At times you do give some dates but I enjoy being able to follow along with the specific dates and then do my own analysis to see what was happening in regions around your topics for greater context. It’s impossible to get all the info into your 20 min videos and I like to use your research as a starting point. Thanks for your great content and PLEASE! Release more “How the U.S. stole the Middle East” videos. I think with Afghanistan this would be a very interesting video. Take care!

I stayed in Panama for 2 weeks a few years ago, and we ended up visiting the panama canal. At first I honestly didn't care too much, but once you get there and see it in person...wow. I could have sat there and watched boats entering/exiting all day long. It honestly is a technological marvel.

That was wild....I remember some of those facts do do high school history...but you made it so much more interesting...I thank you for the info mixed with your great humor...keep them coming...

Hi Johnny, as a young history teacher the style, way you convey information visually, and your transcript is beyond amazing. So glad you broke away from Vox or whatever and started your own RU-vid channel. The delivery of the content shows just how much research you put in to be able to simplify without losing any critical analysis.

15:17 fun fact, the famous "panama hat" is actually from Ecuador, made out of toquilla straw and became very widespread in the region by the 1800s the name panama hat pretty much comes from this picture and just remained that way as a misnomer ever since

One day at peak Jonny; "How the US Stole the world!"

Your videos are amazing. Very informative! I enjoy your creative approaching to teaching and taking us through your journey. Out of this world🤞🔥

That is absolutely astounding. Not at all the story that I remember from U.S. public school system history class. Thanks for the story. So far every single one of your videos have been revealing and riveting. Props.

Due to an impassable jungle, there is no road connection between Colombia and Panama, which is why you can't drive from North to South America (the Darién Gap). That must've made declaring independence a lot easier.

The time you said " so buckle up " I literally stopped watching on my phone, opened my laptop and started watching it from beginning. You are a great story teller Johnny

First time I’ve really sat down and binged your history videos, and they’re so comprehensively awesome! It’s like more coherent Drunk History, and almost as funny!

Brilliantly narrated, many thanks

This was such a succinct breakdown of what is a complex history. I love how so many points are referenced and the tie in towards the end about the 1964 flag riots and eventual treaty. The discussion of U.S. motives and imperialism is so often missing and I really appreciate you hitting on those points, especially Teddy Roosevelt’s particular actions. As a Panamanian I have people flat out ask me if I’m talking about a real country sometimes and it’s wild. If you want to learn more, the University of Florida has a substantial digital collection through the libraries of documents, pictures, and more from the Canal Zone. Thank you Johnny.

To be fair, the canal was and still is Panama's greatest asset, so the deal kind of worked out for everyone. Except Columbia, Columbia got screwed.

Fantástico trabajo de periodismo investigativo, excelente presentación de los detalles. 👏👏👏

Just found this channel today and I love it. Been listening all afternoon at work.

What I love about Johhny Harris' documentaries is that even when you think you know the story, you come here and realize you really didn't.

Johnny: I’m on a first-name basis with Philippe I’ve studied his history so hard. CGP Grey: Hold my Tiffany…

"Philippe, where were you during all those years? Me and the kids missed you!" "Damn Martha!!! I wanted this canal!"

I enjoy how you tell history mate. Great work.

15:49 A fun reminder that the Atlantic entrance to the canal is more west than the Pacific entrance, despite the Atlantic being on the right of the Americas. It makes more sense when you look at a map lol

Johnny talking about Panama! Can’t believe it! Been following your videos for such a long time. Thanks for sharing part of the story with a very interesting perspective and narration. The Panama Canal has an enormous value for our country. Regaining our sovereignty and its administration was one of the main political and social objectives during the upcoming decades, as you mentioned. The riots you highlighted took place on January 9, 1964, also referred to as Martyrs' Day, to remember this movement and the people that lost their lives that day. High school students protested so that the Panamanian flag could fly alongside the U.S. flag in the zone. If you talk with anybody that experienced January 9, you understand how this is one of the moments that really shaped our country’s history. There is a Panamanian documentary called “Paname”, fully recommend it! It gives more insight into the French construction. Thanks again for sharing!

Only Johnny Harris can make history sound so intersting and fun to learn

small note, thank you for adding yellow bar for ad, you are best. love love

Every time the notification arrives alarming me you have posted a video.. I drop everything that I'm doing and start watching your video. 😂 That's how much i love your videos 😀

I love the perspective Johnny provides. Just the other day in my Into to Construction Class, we were learning about how the canal was a feat of engineering, but we didn’t learn very much about how many people died to build the structure. Keep up the great work!

I’m halfway at the break which is needed to get a cup of tea and settle back in for the next half. This is really great stuff I love it

this video is incredible! so dynamic, schools should show this!

As a Colombian guy, I never thought you would speak about Colombia and Panama. I repeat your videos over and over so that I can improve my English. Thank you Johnny.

Great video, Johnny! One of the things they taught us in school (I'm from Panama) is that besides the stamp with Mt Momotombo, Bunau-Varilla also distributed a second stamp to the US Congress, this one of a centuries-old structure called El Arco Chato (the Flat Arch). This structural feature from an old convent was supposed to serve as a testament to the geological tranquillity of the Isthmus of Panama, as opposed to Nicaragua. I believe the old structure finally gave in and collapsed just a few years ago, but the ruins still stand in the Old Quarter of the City.

I stumbled upon your channel yesterday and gotta say, as a history buff. I love it! Keep up the informative videos man!

Very informative. Thanks 👍

Greetings from Panamá 🇵🇦🇵🇦🇵🇦 Gracias por hablar sobre lo que pasó en este pequeño pero hermoso país. Bless!! 👍😀

That really is wild! I'm used to seeing the comparatively tiny locks on British canals (which I believe have been used for centuries in Britain and other countries), but it's incredible to see how they were engineered on such a large scale

This is the most fun I've had watching a RU-vid video! Thanks Johnny ❤️

JH, your background music/audio is top notch.

I really love your videos Johnny! An interesting side story about the Panama Canal is that, after it was completed, the Nicaraguans still had interest in building (or having a foreign power rather) a canal of their own. The Nicaraguan liberal-nationalist government at the time under Jose Santos Zelia consulted with countries like Germany and Japan, which obviously was not to the liking of the US (you cannot call it a choke point if there's an alternative a few hundred miles up north). So in 1911, an American citizen in Nicaragua died under suspicious circumstances that was seen by the US as enough reason to send the Marine Corps to occupy Nicaragua and secure American interests and lives. This caused the collapse of the liberal government, Americans appointed the conservative class to lead, and "coincidently" enough in a very short time were signing a treaty with this new government establishing a concession for the US to build a canal in Nicaragua, prohibiting Nicaragua to grant that concession to any other country. Obviously, that canal was never built. I consider this event to be extremely consequential in contemporary Nicaraguan history. The Marines occupied Nicaragua for over 20 years, giving rise to Sandino's armed resistance movement, which was responded with the creation of a National Guard under a man named Somoza, who himself became president of Nicaragua and established a presidential dynasty that was overthrown in 1979 by the marxist Sandinistas (that have nothing to do with Sandino) who were lead by Daniel Ortega, who today in 2021 is the current dictator of Nicaragua, who has ruled this country for a combined 24 years... all because the United States didn't want us to have that canal. If you read this, hopefully you can find this little anecdote interesting :)

You've always been super crafty with your editing and storytelling, but this one took things to an even higher level.

Thanks for Policy Genius! I'm checking it out!

Great video, knowledge I didn’t know I needed but was very informative and entertaining!

The sad thing is Johnny probably has plenty of content to use for this series

This guy reminds me about Cyrus West Field the man who laid the first transatlantic telegraph cable connecting America and Europe. Similar to this it was the an incredible story, Cyrus too, did a lot of politicking and maneuvering with the governments on both continents to fund it. I think you should do a deep dive about it Johnny.

THE BEST RU-vid channel I ever stumbled upon. Great work!

You forgot the Panamanian stamp. Besides the Momotombo stamp from Nicaragua, Bunau-Varilla used also a Panamanian stamp depicting the Arco Chato, a long arch built in the XVI century by the Spanish... considered proof of Panama's seismic stability

What a wild and interesting story, I turned on the notifications for ur channel and whenever I watch a new video you always leave me overwhelmed and satisfied 🤩

Great video! I would only add that there was a civil war in Colombia at the time, which also had a significative relevance in the panamean uprising and in the negotiations for independence and the canal building.

Dude, this is like history art. You’re an artist. And the editing work is just phenomenal!

Johnny is actually cracked at making these, I always hated learning about history until I found this youtube channel.

Ahhhh yes another "How the US stole" series. Love these series

Just wanna add that Panama accomplished independence from spain in Nov 1821 and voluntarily joint The Great Colombia. From 1831 to 1902 we had like 17 secession attempts, then the Thousand Days' War... We knew we were better off on our own.

I can't believe 3:56 thats this video is just starting, instructive and so funny. haha.

I love your work I’ve binged watched your channel now for the past 3 days

Johnny you're so informative and interesting in presenting videos of all types , keep it up your videos are just awesome

After watching this vid: Phillippe was damn obsessed, Teddy is still lovable, and Johnny's way of teaching history is kinda like CGP Grey.

Such an incredible video and audio mix

Bever knew this. It's amazing.

You deserve all your subscribers and many millions more. Thanks for consistently providing us with fascinating stories, and content. Well done.

I feel like Phillipe would would be an AMAZING GoT character. He would absolutely be a match for Littlefinger.

I just realized you guys are geniuses and real. This is fascinating!!!

Great Video Johnny!!!!

I am so glad that people are tunning in to listen and learn about Panamá's story. It is so nice to see people researching and learning about my countries' history! although I do wish that he hadn't brushed over the January 9th things, since it is still very important and relevant to the Canal's and Panamá's story

Like always, another brilliant video! You're my favourite content creator because of how much work you put into your videos and how informative they are.

The funny thing with this narration is, Harris makes it feels like its a stuff that happened within just a couple of weeks with this narration and I'm loving the heck out of it 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅