How did the US get permission to build the Panama Canal?
The United States acquired permission to build the Panama Canal through a combination of diplomatic negotiations and coercive tactics. Here is a brief overview of how it happened:
1. French Efforts: The construction of a canal across Panama was initially attempted by the French in the late 19th century but was abandoned due to financial difficulties. This made the project an attractive proposition for the United States.
2. Separation of Panama from Colombia: The United States supported a Panamanian independence movement against Colombian rule, which eventually led to Panama declaring independence from Colombia in November 1903. The US government provided military and diplomatic support to ensure the success of the separation.
3. Hay-Herrán Treaty: Before Panama's separation, the United States had negotiated a treaty, known as the Hay-Herrán Treaty, with Colombia in 1903, granting the US control over the canal zone. However, the Colombian Senate rejected the treaty as they wanted more favorable terms.
4. Panama Canal Zone: Panama quickly sought an agreement with the United States to secure infrastructure development and economic benefits. With a newly formed government, Panama negotiated a new treaty with the US called the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty in 1903. The treaty granted the US perpetual sovereignty over the Panama Canal Zone, a 10-mile-wide strip of land.
5. Panama Canal Zone Lease: As part of the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty, the US agreed to pay Panama an initial lump sum payment of $10 million, followed by an annual lease payment of $250,000. This payment was seen as compensation for Panama's loss of territory, as well as a financial incentive for the Panamanian government.
6. Construction Begins: With the treaties in place, the US immediately began construction of the Panama Canal in 1904 and completed the project in 1914. The canal was officially opened for maritime traffic on August 15, 1914.
Overall, the US obtained permission to build the Panama Canal through a combination of strategic support for Panamanian independence, negotiation of favorable treaties, and financial compensation to Panama.
The United States acquired permission to build the Panama Canal through a series of diplomatic negotiations and agreements. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
1. French Attempt: In the late 19th century, France attempted to construct a canal through Panama but faced difficulties due to diseases like yellow fever and financial constraints. The French project ultimately failed.
2. Hay-Herrán Treaty: In 1903, the United States negotiated the Hay-Herrán Treaty with Colombia, which had control over the territory of Panama at the time. The treaty granted the U.S. a 99-year lease for a canal zone in exchange for monetary compensation.
3. Senate Ratification: The Hay-Herrán Treaty was ratified by the U.S. Senate in March 1903, but the Colombian Senate rejected the agreement, demanding more favorable terms.
4. Panamanian Revolution: Frustrated with Colombia's refusal to ratify the treaty, the U.S. encouraged and supported a Panamanian uprising for independence from Colombia. The Panamanian Revolution took place on November 3, 1903.
5. Recognition of Independence: The U.S. quickly recognized the newly established Republic of Panama, giving it de facto recognition as a sovereign state. This was followed by formal recognition from other countries.
6. Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty: Immediately after the Panamanian Revolution, the U.S. negotiated the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty with the newly formed Republic of Panama. This treaty granted the U.S. full control over a canal zone and the authority to build, operate, and defend a canal in perpetuity.
7. Senate Ratification: The Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty was ratified by the U.S. Senate in February 1904. It officially granted the U.S. the rights and responsibilities to build and administer the Panama Canal.
8. Construction Begins: With the treaties in place, the U.S. commenced construction of the Panama Canal in 1904 and completed it in 1914.
In summary, the U.S. originally negotiated with Colombia for permission to build the canal, but when this failed, they facilitated the Panamanian Revolution, which led to the recognition of Panama as an independent nation. Subsequently, the U.S. negotiated a new treaty with Panama to acquire the necessary rights for the construction and management of the Panama Canal.
To understand how the US got permission to build the Panama Canal, we need to go back in history. Here's the explanation:
1. French Attempt: In the late 1800s, the French first initiated the construction of the Panama Canal. However, due to several challenges, including a high mortality rate among workers and financial issues, they eventually abandoned the project.
2. Panamanian Independence: In 1903, Panama declared independence from Colombia with encouragement from the United States. The US had been interested in building a canal across Central America to enhance maritime trade and military capabilities.
3. Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty: Once Panama became independent, the US negotiated the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty. This treaty granted the US sovereignty over a 10-mile-wide strip of land called the Panama Canal Zone. In return, the US paid Panama a one-time fee and an annual rent.
4. Compensation to Colombia: To secure the rights to build the canal, the US also compensated Colombia with a payment of $25 million as a form of reparation for its intervention in Panama's independence.
5. Construction and Operation: With the treaty signed, the US started the construction of the Panama Canal in 1904 and completed it in 1914. The canal operated under US control until December 31, 1999, when it was handed over to Panama as per the Torrijos-Carter Treaty signed in 1977.
In summary, the US acquired permission to build the Panama Canal by supporting Panama's independence from Colombia and negotiating a treaty that granted the US sovereignty over the canal zone. They also compensated Colombia for its loss of the territory.