How did the United States get permission to build the Panama Canal?(1 point)
1. The US didn't get permission, they just started building
2. The US signed a contract with the Central America countries
3. The US bought the work contracts from France
4. The US helped Panama win its independence
4. The US helped Panama win its independence
The correct answer is 4. The US helped Panama win its independence.
To answer this question, we need to understand the historical context of the Panama Canal and the steps taken by the United States to build it. The correct answer is:
4. The US helped Panama win its independence
Explanation: In the late 19th century, the French started construction of the Panama Canal but faced numerous challenges, including financial difficulties and a high death rate among workers due to diseases. They eventually abandoned the project.
In 1903, Panama was a province of Colombia, and the United States sought to gain control over the land for the construction of the canal. The US government supported Panama's movement for independence from Colombia. In November 1903, backed by US warships, Panama declared independence from Colombia.
After Panama's independence, the United States quickly entered into the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty with the new Republic of Panama. This treaty granted the United States control over a 10-mile-wide strip known as the Panama Canal Zone, as well as the exclusive right to build, operate, and maintain the canal. This agreement ensured that the United States had permission to proceed with the construction of the Panama Canal.
In summary, the United States helped Panama gain independence from Colombia, and as a result, obtained the necessary permission to build and control the Panama Canal through the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty.