Question
How did the US get permission to build the Panama Canal?
Answers
GPT 3.5
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.
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.