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this post was submitted on 26 Dec 2024
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I could google it, but as a Canadian would you kindly correct the record here for others like me?
This is what I could find
The construction of the Panama Canal was a monumental engineering endeavor that came at a significant human cost, with estimates suggesting that between 25,000 to 30,000 workers lost their lives during the project.
Causes of Death:
Disease: The tropical environment of Panama was rife with diseases such as yellow fever and malaria. The role of mosquitoes in transmitting these diseases was not yet understood during the early phases of construction, leading to high mortality rates among workers.
Accidents: The construction process involved hazardous activities, including the use of explosives for excavation, operating heavy machinery, and working in challenging terrains. These factors contributed to numerous fatal accidents.
Worker Demographics:
French Construction Period (1881–1899): During this phase, a significant portion of the workforce comprised laborers from the Caribbean, particularly Afro-Caribbean workers from the West Indies. The French effort resulted in an estimated 22,000 deaths due to disease and accidents.
American Construction Period (1904–1914): The United States employed a diverse workforce, including a large number of laborers from Barbados and other Caribbean nations. Over 5,000 workers died during this period, with many of the deceased being from Barbados.
The majority of the workforce during both construction periods consisted of Afro-Caribbean laborers who endured grueling working conditions, disease exposure, and, in many cases, discriminatory treatment.
Thank you for the history lesson !