Origins & Early Life

Ferdinand Marie de Lesseps (French: [lesɛps]; 19 November 1805 – 7 December 1894) was a French Orientalist diplomat and later developer of the Suez Canal, which in 1869, joined the Mediterranean and Red Seas, substantially reducing sailing distances and times between Europe and East Asia. He attempted to repeat this success with an effort to build a Panama Canal at sea level during the 1880s, but the project was devastated by epidemics of malaria and yellow fever in the area, as well as by financial problems, and the planned Lesseps Panama Canal was never completed. Eventually, the project was bought out by the United States, which solved the medical problems and changed the design to a non-sea- level canal with locks. It was completed in 1914.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The origins of Lesseps' family are traceable back as far as the end of the 14th century. His ancestors, it is believed, came from Spain, and settled at Bayonne during the period of the Angevin Empire. One of his great-grandfathers, Pierre de Lesseps (1690–1759), son of Bertrand Lesseps (1649–1708) and wife (m.1675) Louise Fisson (1654–1690), was town clerk and at the same time secretary to Queen Maria Anna of Neuburg, widow of...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alexis de Tocqueville — Contemporary (Born in 1805) (1805): French philosopher known for analyzing Western democracy and social trends.
• Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis — Contemporary (Died in 1805) (1805): British general officer, politician, and administrator famed for his role in the American War of Independence.
• Friedrich Schiller — Contemporary (Died in 1805) (1805): Master German playwright, poet, and philosopher of the Sturm und Drang era.
• Aldous Huxley — Contemporary (Born in 1894) (1894): English writer and philosopher known for social satire and mystical explorations.
• Alfred Kinsey — Contemporary (Born in 1894) (1894): Pioneering sexologist whose research fundamentally shaped modern understanding of human sexuality.
• Bessie Smith — Contemporary (Born in 1894) (1894): The "Empress of the Blues," Bessie Smith dominated the sound of the 1930s.
• Alan J. Pakula — Shared historical date (11-19 · Died) (1998): American film director, writer, and producer known for political thrillers.
• Alexander I of Russia — Shared historical date (11-19 · Died) (1825): Emperor of Russia during the Napoleonic era, known for liberal reforms and military campaigns.
• Aaron Carter — Shared historical date (12-07 · Born) (1987): American singer and rapper known for teen pop stardom and enduring musical career.
• Algernon Sidney — Shared historical date (12-07 · Died) (1683): English republican theorist and politician whose works shaped Western thought.
• 1805 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1805
• November 19 (11-19) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on November 19
• 1894 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1894
• December 7 (12-07) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on December 7