1869, the Suez Canal was opened to navigation. Ferdinand de Lesseps would later attempt, unsuccessfully, to build a canal across the Isthmus of Panama. (jan 1, 1869 – jul 8, 1870)
Description:
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/suez-canal-opensAdded to timeline:
Date:
jan 1, 1869
jul 8, 1870
~ 1 years and 6 months