The U.S. gained control of the Panama Canal Zone through a combination of diplomatic negotiations, support for Panamanian independence, and subsequent agreements with the newly established Panamanian government. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key steps involved:
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French Attempt and Initial Interest: In the 1880s, France, under Ferdinand de Lesseps (who built the Suez Canal), attempted to construct a canal across Panama but failed due to engineering challenges and high mortality rates from diseases like yellow fever. The French effort highlighted the strategic importance of a canal but also the difficulties involved.
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U.S. Interest and Involvement: The importance of a canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans became more pronounced with the growth of maritime trade. The U.S. government began to explore options after the French failure, and interest in constructing the canal grew, leading to negotiations with Colombia, which controlled Panama at the time.
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Hay-Herran Treaty: In 1903, the U.S. negotiated the Hay-Herran Treaty with Colombia, offering $10 million plus an annual rent for control of a strip of land through Panama. However, when the Colombian Senate rejected the treaty, it led to increased tensions.
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Support for Panamanian Independence: The U.S. saw an opportunity to support Panamanian independence. In November 1903, with the backing of the U.S., a group of Panamanian revolutionaries declared independence from Colombia. The U.S. quickly recognized Panama as a new nation and sent Navy warships to prevent Colombian forces from suppressing the uprising.
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Treaty with Panama: Following Panama's independence, the U.S. signed the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty in December 1903. This agreement granted the U.S. control of a 10-mile-wide strip of land (the Panama Canal Zone) for the construction of the canal. In exchange, the U.S. paid Panama $10 million and an annual rental fee.
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Construction of the Canal: Armed with control of the Canal Zone, the U.S. launched the construction of the Panama Canal in 1904, overcoming health challenges and engineering difficulties to complete it in 1914.
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Long-Term U.S. Control: The U.S. maintained control of the Panama Canal Zone until 1977, when the Torrijos-Carter Treaties were signed, leading to the gradual transfer of control back to Panama by the end of 1999.
In summary, the U.S. gained control of the Panama Canal Zone through a combination of supporting Panamanian independence, negotiating favorable treaties, and leveraging its position to build and operate the canal.