France started the creation of a canal in Panama, known as the Panama Canal, but failed to complete it. The construction of the canal began in 1881 under the leadership of Ferdinand de Lesseps, a French diplomat and engineer. However, due to various challenges such as financial difficulties, disease outbreaks, and engineering problems, the French project ultimately failed. It was not until the United States took over the project in 1904 that the Panama Canal was successfully completed and opened for navigation in 1914.