| The
idea of a canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific had
been around since the Spanish discovered the americas. The
French heavily invested in a canal project after their success
with the Suez Canal in Egypt. But the problems in Central
America were much greater than those of Egypt. The engineering
challenge was enormous, the terrain very difficult, and
the climate poisonous. However, a canal was important to
the United States interests and Theodore Roosevelt was determined
to complete the project. When the Spanish American war began
with the destruction of the battleship Maine, the
Oregon was on the Pacific coast. It made the journey
around the tip of South America, barely arriving in time.
It pointed out the great need for a shortcut to a nation
bordering both oceans.
After
debating on the most appropriate place for the canal, the
United States Congress authorized Theodore Roosevelt to
purchase the French assets and take over the Panama project.
Panama, where the isthmus was located, was part of Colombia.
Negotiators from both countries agreed upon terms, but Colombia
rejected the treaty, holding out for more money. Angered,
Roosevelt stopped negotiations and found another way to
get the isthmus. He supported the Panamanian rebels in their
fight for independence from Colombia. An American fleet
was dispatched to both sides of the isthmus, blocking sea
approaches. Colombian forces were forced into a land approach
through the dense Darien jungle, and were forced to turn
back. Panama achieved its independence. The United States
acquired the lease to build the Panama Canal on very favorable
terms with the newly independent country. The new country
could not survive without American support.
Panama
Canal Murals
Part
of Uncle Sam Plants the Flag:
American Imperialism in Latin America exhibit
|
