The Suez Canal
The Suez Canal is a man-made waterway that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea through Egypt, allowing ships to avoid having to travel around the southern tip of Africa. It was constructed between 1859 and 1869, and its completion revolutionized global trade and transportation, making it quicker and more efficient to travel between Europe and Asia. The canal is around 120 miles long, 300 feet wide, and 40 feet deep, and it remains one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
The planning and construction period
The idea of constructing a canal linking the Mediterranean and Red Seas dates back to ancient times. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that the project became feasible with advancements in technology and transportation. In 1854, the French diplomat Ferdinand de Lesseps received permission from the Egyptian government to construct the canal, and he formed the Suez Canal Company to oversee the project. Construction began in 1859, and it took 10 years and thousands of workers to complete the canal, which officially opened in 1869.
The manpower needed for the project
Constructing the Suez Canal was a massive undertaking that required a significant amount of manpower. From the planning stages to the construction period, thousands of workers were employed from different parts of the world. The project required a diverse range of skills, including engineers, architects, surveyors, and manual laborers.
The initial estimate of workers required
The initial estimate for the number of workers needed to construct the Suez Canal was around 30,000. However, as the project progressed, it became clear that many more workers were required to meet the ambitious goals and timelines set by the Suez Canal Company. The actual number of workers employed during the construction period is estimated to be around 1.5 million.
Challenges in recruiting workers
One of the biggest challenges in recruiting workers for the Suez Canal project was the sheer scale of the project and the difficulty of finding workers with the necessary skills and experience. The project required a diverse range of workers, including engineers, surveyors, carpenters, and manual laborers, which made recruitment difficult. Additionally, many workers were reluctant to leave their homes and families and travel to a foreign country to work on a large-scale construction project.
The use of forced labor
The Suez Canal Company resorted to using forced labor to ensure that the project was completed on time and within budget. Many workers were forced to work long hours in dangerous conditions for little pay and no job security. This led to widespread protests and strikes, and many workers died or became sick due to poor working conditions and lack of sanitation.
The number of workers from different countries
Workers from all over the world were employed during the construction period of the Suez Canal. The largest groups of workers were from Egypt, followed by Sudan, Greece, Italy, and Turkey. Other workers came from as far away as India, China, and Europe.
Working conditions for the laborers
Working conditions for the laborers were extremely difficult. Workers were often forced to work long hours in extreme heat and cramped conditions. Many suffered from malnutrition and disease due to poor living conditions and lack of sanitation. Additionally, accidents were common, and many workers lost their lives due to falls, explosions, and other work-related injuries.
Health risks and mortality rate
Working on the Suez Canal project was extremely dangerous, and many workers suffered from injuries, illness, and even death. The mortality rate was high, and many workers died from diseases such as cholera and dysentery, as well as accidents and injuries sustained on the job.
The impact of the canal on the region
The completion of the Suez Canal had a significant impact on global trade and transportation. It reduced travel time between Europe and Asia by several weeks and made it easier and more cost-effective to transport goods between the two continents. Additionally, it helped to increase the flow of goods between Europe and Africa, which led to economic growth and development in the region.
Conclusion: The legacy of the Suez Canal
The Suez Canal remains a significant achievement in engineering and construction and an important part of Egypt’s history. It has played a crucial role in global trade and transportation for over a century and continues to be an essential shipping lane. However, it is important to remember the thousands of workers who lost their lives or suffered from poor working conditions while building the canal.
References and further reading
- "The Suez Canal." Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/topic/Suez-Canal.
- "The Building of the Suez Canal." History.com, A&E Television Networks, 27 Oct. 2009, www.history.com/topics/middle-east/suez-canal.
- "Suez Canal." National Geographic Society, www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/suez-canal/.
