In world history and engineering, who was the French engineer credited with building and supervising the construction of the Suez Canal, a major man-made waterway in Egypt?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your knowledge of important figures in engineering and world history. The Suez Canal is one of the most significant man-made waterways, linking the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea and transforming global shipping routes. Recognising the engineer associated with its construction is a standard item in general knowledge exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks for the person who built the Suez Canal.
• Options include Theodore Roosevelt, Ferdinand de Lesseps, Robert Mills, and James Hoban.
• We assume “built” here refers to the chief promoter and engineer responsible for the project’s planning and execution.

Concept / Approach:
Ferdinand de Lesseps was a French diplomat and engineer who promoted and oversaw the construction of the Suez Canal in the nineteenth century. The other options are important historical figures but linked to different achievements, such as United States politics or famous buildings. By recalling de Lesseps’ association with the Suez Canal, you can quickly identify the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Suez Canal was a major French-led engineering project in Egypt.Step 2: Remember that Ferdinand de Lesseps is widely credited as the driving force behind the canal’s construction.Step 3: Check the other names: Theodore Roosevelt as a United States President, Robert Mills as an architect, and James Hoban as the designer of the White House.Step 4: None of the other options match the context of a French engineer associated with the canal.Step 5: Choose Ferdinand de Lesseps as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Any standard world history or geography reference that discusses the Suez Canal mentions Ferdinand de Lesseps by name. Timelines of the canal’s construction and articles about major world engineering projects also highlight his role. Checking a couple of reliable sources makes this association very clear and easy to remember.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Theodore Roosevelt: A United States President associated with the Panama Canal and American politics, not the Suez Canal.Robert Mills: An American architect known for designing the Washington Monument.James Hoban: Architect best known for designing the White House in Washington, not for canal construction.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates confuse the Suez Canal with the Panama Canal and may link Theodore Roosevelt with canal building in general. It is important to distinguish between different canal projects and remember that Ferdinand de Lesseps is associated with Suez, whereas Roosevelt is associated with Panama. Building a mental map of which historical figure fits with which project helps avoid such mix-ups.

Final Answer:
The engineer credited with building and supervising the construction of the Suez Canal is Ferdinand de Lesseps.