When did the construction of the Panama Canal begin?

The construction of the Panama Canal began in 1904. This significant engineering project aimed to create a shortcut for maritime trade between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, drastically reducing travel time for ships. Notably, initial attempts to build the canal were made by the French beginning in the 1880s, but they ended in failure. After the French withdrew, the United States took over the canal project in 1904, successfully completing it in 1914. The strategic importance of the canal was highlighted by its role in global trade and military strategy, cementing its status as one of the key engineering achievements of the early 20th century.