Question

Complete the flowchart to show how the United States gained control of the Panama Canal.

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Answer 1

Creating a flowchart in text format can be challenging, but I can outline the key steps involved in how the United States gained control of the Panama Canal. You can later convert this outline into a visual flowchart using a diagramming tool. Here's the step-by-step process:

1. **Interest in a Canal**
- Early 19th century: U.S. interest in a canal to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

2. **French Attempts**
- 1881: The French begin construction on the canal, led by Ferdinand de Lesseps (builder of the Suez Canal).
- 1889: The French effort collapses due to engineering problems, disease, and financial issues.

3. **U.S. Interest Renewed**
- Late 1890s: The U.S. sees strategic value in a canal for military and trade purposes.
- 1902: The U.S. Senate approves a treaty with Colombia to lease land for a canal.

4. **Colombian Rejection**
- 1903: Colombia rejects the Hay-Herran Treaty, which would have allowed the U.S. to build the canal.

5. **Support for Panama's Independence**
- 1903: With Colombian opposition, the U.S. supports a revolutionary movement in Panama.
- November 3, 1903: Panama declares independence from Colombia with U.S. support.

6. **Treaty with Panama**
- November 18, 1903: The U.S. and Panama sign the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty, granting the U.S. control over the Canal Zone.

7. **Construction of the Canal**
- 1904-1914: The U.S. undertakes the construction of the Panama Canal, overcoming significant engineering and health challenges.

8. **Completion and Control**
- August 15, 1914: The Panama Canal is officially completed and opens for use.
- The U.S. controls the canal until 1999 when it is handed over to Panama.

You can use this information to create a flowchart visually, relating each step sequentially from U.S. interest to eventual control over the Panama Canal.