Building Of The Panama Canal example essay topic
363 words
After America acquired the Philippines and Puerto Rico, they needed a fast way to sail from ocean to ocean. After they thought about it, they decided to build a canal through Panama. Columbia, who was in charge at the time, rejected the idea. The U.S. then helped the panama people over throw Columbia. After the people of Panama over threw Columbia, they were granted permission to build the canal. When the offer was rejected by Columbian rule, the U.S. began to make negotiations. During this time, a Panamanian rebellion was being organized against Columbia for their independence. The U.S. negotiated a treaty that guaranteed they would get what they wanted. So, in 1903 the U.S. sent in armed naval forces to help overthrow the Columbian government. When the new government was in place, they immediately agreed to the building of the Panama Canal. Before the building of the Panama Canal, there were a few problems between the United States and Columbia.
Why is this? Well, Panama at that time was owned by Columbia. The United States wished to connect the oceans so they could protect their territories in the Philippines and Puerto Rico. So the United States offered to lease the land from Columbia and build the canal through Panama. The offer was rejected by the Columbian Senate.
In the early 1900's, Panama's government allowed the U.S. to build what is known as the Panama Canal. The canal was completed in 1914. In 1921, the U.S. paid Columbia for the right to the Canal Zone. Nearly 400 million dollars was the amount for the time spent in building the canal. There were more than 5,000 workers and over half of them were African American. On August 15, 1914, the canal opened for business.
More than 1,000 merchant ships used the waterway during its first year. Control of the Panama Canal enhanced the power of the U.S. In 1921, Congress paid Columbia 25 million for the loss of its territory. Financial factors drew the U.S. further into Latin American affairs.
