A survey was ordered for the isthmus. Following this, a working plan for a canal was drawn in the year 1529. The project was put on permanent hold due to the wars in Europe. The cravings for the control of kingdoms in the Mediterranean Sea also played a major role.
According to the history of the Panama Canal, a Spanish officer suggested an alternative canal route in 1534. This route was in close proximity to the present canal. Subsequently, several other plans were suggested for the canal. However, there was lack of action. The Spanish Government was quick to abandon its interest in the canal.
Books by German researcher Alexander von Humboldt revived interest in the canal in the early 19th century. The Spanish Government started construction of the canal formally in 1819. They selected a company to build it. American showed growing interest in the construction when gold was discovered in California in 1848. There was an increased rush among would-be miners.
