3 min read•Last Updated on August 6, 2024
The Panama Canal, completed in 1914, revolutionized global trade and naval strategy. This massive engineering feat connected the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, cutting shipping times and costs. Its construction faced huge challenges, from tropical diseases to difficult terrain.
The canal's creation intertwined with Panama's independence from Colombia, backed by the U.S. The 1903 Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty gave the U.S. control over the Canal Zone, showcasing America's growing influence in Latin America during the early 20th century.
Panama Canal - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Panama Canal under construction, 1907.jpg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Panama Canal - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Panama Canal - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Panama Canal under construction, 1907.jpg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Panama Canal - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Panama Canal under construction, 1907.jpg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Panama Canal - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Panama Canal - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Panama Canal under construction, 1907.jpg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
American imperialism refers to the policy and practice of the United States extending its influence and control over other nations and territories, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This expansion was often justified by a belief in American exceptionalism and a desire for economic growth, strategic military positioning, and cultural influence. The construction of the Panama Canal exemplifies how American imperialism shaped geopolitical dynamics in Latin America and beyond.
Term 1 of 18
American imperialism refers to the policy and practice of the United States extending its influence and control over other nations and territories, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This expansion was often justified by a belief in American exceptionalism and a desire for economic growth, strategic military positioning, and cultural influence. The construction of the Panama Canal exemplifies how American imperialism shaped geopolitical dynamics in Latin America and beyond.
Term 1 of 18
The Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty was an agreement signed in 1903 between the United States and Panama, granting the U.S. control over the Panama Canal Zone in exchange for a payment and guarantees of Panamanian independence. This treaty significantly shaped U.S. foreign policy in Latin America and set the stage for the construction of one of the most strategically important waterways in the world.
Panama Canal: A major artificial waterway completed in 1914 that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, dramatically shortening maritime trade routes.
Roosevelt Corollary: An extension of the Monroe Doctrine articulated by President Theodore Roosevelt, asserting the right of the U.S. to intervene in Latin American countries to maintain stability.
Sovereignty: The authority of a state to govern itself or another state, which was a central issue in the negotiations surrounding the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty.
The Canal Zone was a strip of land in Panama that was controlled by the United States from 1904 to 1999, created for the construction and operation of the Panama Canal. This area was significant not only for its engineering marvel but also for its geopolitical importance, as it served as a critical trade route that connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, facilitating international commerce and military movement.
Panama Canal: A man-made waterway that traverses the Isthmus of Panama, completed in 1914, allowing ships to avoid the long and hazardous journey around the southern tip of South America.
Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty: The 1903 treaty between the United States and Panama that granted the U.S. control over the Canal Zone in exchange for financial compensation and guarantees of Panamanian independence.
Sovereignty: The authority of a state to govern itself or another state; in this context, it refers to Panama's eventual control over the Canal Zone after the U.S. relinquished its hold.
Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States, serving from 1901 to 1909, and is best known for his progressive policies and strong foreign affairs approach, particularly in relation to the construction and geopolitical significance of the Panama Canal. Roosevelt's administration played a crucial role in expanding American influence in Latin America and demonstrating the United States' commitment to asserting its presence on the global stage.
Panama Canal: A significant waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, built under Roosevelt's leadership, which greatly enhanced maritime trade and military movement.
Big Stick Diplomacy: Roosevelt's foreign policy approach which emphasized negotiating peacefully while also threatening military action if necessary.
Roosevelt Corollary: An extension of the Monroe Doctrine that justified U.S. intervention in Latin American nations to stabilize economic crises and prevent European intervention.
Big stick diplomacy is a foreign policy approach associated with Theodore Roosevelt, emphasizing the use of military power and a strong presence to achieve diplomatic goals. The phrase reflects the idea of negotiating peacefully while threatening with the 'big stick' of military force if necessary, fundamentally shaping U.S. interactions in Latin America and the Caribbean during the early 20th century.
Roosevelt Corollary: An extension of the Monroe Doctrine stating that the U.S. had the right to intervene in Latin American countries to maintain stability and prevent European intervention.
Monroe Doctrine: A U.S. policy that opposed European colonialism in the Americas, asserting that any intervention by external powers would be viewed as an act of aggression.
Panama Canal: A significant engineering project completed in 1914 that connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, facilitating maritime trade and reflecting U.S. geopolitical interests in Central America.