When Theodore Roosevelt became president in 1901, he was determined to build a canal through Panama. I will now identify and discuss the reasons why he wanted a canal and 3 problems that were encountered. A 1903 treaty between the United States and Panama gave the United States the right to build and operate the waterway. The United States also received the right to govern an area of land called the Panama Canal Zone on both sides of the canal. For many years, Panama tried to gain control of the canal and the zone. In 1977, Panama and the United States signed a new treaty. As a result of this treaty, Panama received territorial jurisdiction over the zone in 1979. The United States kept administrative control of some military installations and areas necessary to operate and defend the canal. Also as a result of the treaty, Panama took control of the operations of the canal and its associated military installations on Dec. 31, 1999. A second treaty gave the United States the right to defend the neutrality of the canal.
There were two reasons why the Panama Canal was wanted. First one was military. If there were ever to be a war instead of having to go around South America, they can simply go through the Canal. The second reason was for commerce. Commerce is another word for trade. If California wanted to give some of their best oranges to Florida, instead of having to go all the war around, once again they can simply go through the middle. The main reason for the Panama Canal to be wanted was for quicker trips to other places.
At first, Columbia controlled Panama. When John Hay offered Columbia and Panama $10 million, $250 thousand, Columbia denied the offer. This was the amount per year! If I was Columbia, I would have considered the offer. This got Hay a little ticked off. John Hay sent military down to Panama to have Panama revolt against Columbia. This began to eventually happen and build up.
