Analyze the effects of physical and human geographic factors on major events in world history such as the effects of the opening of the Suez Canal on world trade patterns; understand the global impact of human changes in the physical environment; assess how people’s changing perceptions of geographic features have led to changes in human societies.

The construction of canals, or human-made waterways, has had a significant impact on the geography, trade and transportation of many nations. In 18th century England, the construction of two thousand miles of canals solved transportation problems caused by river flooding and unregulated tolls. Cheaper and more efficient transportation resulted, creating greater fairness in the pricing and distribution of goods. England also benefited from the 1869 opening of the Suez Canal located in Egypt. Connecting the Mediterranean and Red Seas, it permitted ships to bypass traditional trade routes stretching around the tip of Africa, reducing travel time for European merchants and allowing colonial powers to expand and monitor interests in the East. China’s Grand Canal, built during the Sui Dynasty (581-618 AD), remains the world’s longest man-made waterway, extending for over 1,000 miles. Originally used to transport silks and grain from the south to the imperial capital, barges fill its waters today, delivering people and goods from place to place.

• CA  Chronological and Spatial Thinking: 2
• TX  113.32(9): a; 113.32(23): a; 113.33(12): b; 113.34(2): b; 113.38(2): d
• FL  SS.B.2.4: 4
• NCSS  VI(HS): g

2 class periods

• Activity Sheet, Impact of Canals on Geography and Human Life
• Map, Late-20th Century Wars 
• Graphic Organizer, Concept Map
• Multimedia Presentation Rubric

Students have the opportunity to write a Research Report (see Extension below).

How have canals altered geography and changed life across the globe?

Present Information Students will create and present a poster depicting a scene of daily life in a fictional city built along a canal. Focusing on Victorian England and Tang Dynasty China, students will research the ways in which canals have affected transportation, trade, and other areas of life throughout history.

Have students research the topic using the provided links. Encourage them to use the suggested graphic organizer as they read the articles.

This 20th century World Map illustrates the strategic value of the Suez canal.

To start students thinking about the ways in which canals have affected both geography and daily life, have them examine the map.

Key questions students should answer are:

• Locate the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. Why would a canal connecting these two bodies of water be advantageous
• Which nations do you think have benefited most from the construction of the Suez Canal?

Distribute the Student Activity sheet. Tell students that they will create a poster depicting scenes of daily life in a fictional city located along a canal. Posters should illustrate the ways in which canals affect economic and social structures. Remind students that they should consider the following topics in creating their poster.

• Types of Boats and Vessels Used
• Movement of People
• Trade, the Economy, Jobs
• Types of Goods Available
• Impact on Prices
• Dissemination of Culture and Ideas

Remind students to incorporate both visual and written features based on facts from the readings. Tell them that they will present their posters to the class upon completion.

You may wish to modify the Multimedia Presentation Rubric to assess students’ performance.

Have students reflect on their performance and use the list of expectations to judge how well they met the criteria.

Ask students: What aspect of human life has been most affected by the innovation and building of canals?

Expository Writing Have students use Daily Life through History to conduct research and write about the economic, social, and geographic impact of other human-made features, such as railroads.

Critical Thinking: ANALYZE