1914 AD
Opening of the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal opened in 1914, connecting two oceans and transforming global trade.
- Time period
- 1914 AD
- Region
- Panama
- Theme
- Technology
- Civilization
- United States
The Panama Canal officially opened on 15 August 1914, linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Ships could now cross the Isthmus of Panama instead of sailing around South America, greatly reducing travel distances and times. This shorter route lowered shipping costs and reshaped international maritime trade.