Panama Canal

Definition

The Panama Canal is a man-made waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, allowing ships to avoid the lengthy and treacherous route around the southern tip of South America. Its construction was a significant feat of engineering, completed by the United States in 1914, and it played a crucial role in American imperialism and expansionism by facilitating trade and military movement across the Americas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Construction of the Panama Canal began in 1904 and was completed in 1914, significantly reducing travel time for maritime shipping.
2. The canal was originally started by the French in the 1880s but failed due to engineering challenges and high mortality rates from disease.
3. The U.S. acquired rights to build and control the canal after supporting Panama's independence from Colombia, showcasing a clear example of American intervention in Latin America.
4. The canal's strategic importance was highlighted during both World Wars, as it enabled faster deployment of naval forces and supplies between oceans.
5. In 1977, President Jimmy Carter signed treaties that eventually led to the transfer of control of the canal back to Panama on December 31, 1999.

Review Questions

• How did the construction of the Panama Canal reflect American imperialism in the early 20th century?
  • The construction of the Panama Canal exemplified American imperialism as it showcased U.S. economic interests and military strategy in Latin America. By supporting Panama's independence from Colombia, the U.S. not only gained control over a critical maritime route but also established its influence in Central America. This action underscored a shift towards more direct interventionist policies aimed at expanding American power beyond its borders.
• Evaluate the impact of the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty on U.S.-Panama relations and regional dynamics.
  • The Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty significantly impacted U.S.-Panama relations by granting extensive control over the canal zone to the United States while undermining Panama's sovereignty. This agreement fueled resentment among Panamanians and set a precedent for future U.S. intervention in Latin America, fostering a legacy of distrust that affected diplomatic relations for decades. The treaty not only facilitated canal construction but also exemplified American dominance in regional affairs.
• Analyze how the Panama Canal influenced global trade patterns and military strategy during its early years of operation.
  • The opening of the Panama Canal transformed global trade patterns by drastically reducing shipping times between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, which allowed for more efficient movement of goods and resources. This strategic waterway enabled quicker naval deployments during both World Wars, illustrating its importance to U.S. military strategy. The canal became a critical asset for asserting American dominance in maritime commerce, allowing for enhanced economic influence in international markets and solidifying U.S. power on a global scale.

Related terms

Teddy Roosevelt: The 26th President of the United States who was instrumental in the construction of the Panama Canal and promoted American imperialism through foreign policy initiatives.

Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty: The 1903 agreement between the United States and Panama that granted the U.S. control over the canal zone in exchange for financial compensation and protection of Panama's sovereignty.

Imperialism: A policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force, which was evident in the U.S. actions surrounding the construction and control of the Panama Canal.