Suez Canal: Route Selection (1858)
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Ferdinand de Lesseps chose between a direct sea-level canal (cheaper but unprecedented) and an indirect route with locks (proven technology). The direct route won despite engineering doubts.
Direct Sea-Level Canal
1858
year
No locks needed — unprecedented at this scale
engineering challenge
Lower construction, higher risk
cost
Chosen — opened 1869, transformed global trade
outcome
Indirect Route with Locks
1858
year
Proven lock technology
engineering challenge
Higher construction, lower risk
cost
Not chosen
outcome
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