In early 1533 Gaspar de Espinosa, the richest and most influential settler in Panama, suggested to the Council of the Indies that a Canal might be dug from Pacific to the Atlantic. It was proposed to be dug at the level of the river of Chagres, could this have been seriously attempted by the Spanish?
I am thinking that since the yearly tribute to the Spanish crown was 350,000 pesos a year perhaps if the Spanish never had to deal with wars in Northern Europe they could focus on the Indies including this canal. It would likely be done with an immense amount of slavery, probably imported from Africa.
It seems like this Canal would speed up the Manila trade galleons, perhaps resulting in less inflation in Europe, if more gold ends up in China. What else?
I am thinking that since the yearly tribute to the Spanish crown was 350,000 pesos a year perhaps if the Spanish never had to deal with wars in Northern Europe they could focus on the Indies including this canal. It would likely be done with an immense amount of slavery, probably imported from Africa.
It seems like this Canal would speed up the Manila trade galleons, perhaps resulting in less inflation in Europe, if more gold ends up in China. What else?