The document discusses the history and construction of the Panama Canal. It begins with an introduction about how the canal improved Panama economically, socially and politically. It then provides a chronology of the key dates in the canal's construction from 1880 when France began work, to 1977 when the US transferred control of the canal to Panama. Details are given about how the canal was built, including the creation of Gatun Lake and the use of locks to raise and lower ships. The presentation concludes with information about the ongoing expansion project to allow larger ships to pass through the canal.