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| 11. Panama and the Panama Canal Zone |
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| Prior to the revolution of 1903, Panama was a province of Colombia, but geographic isolation allowed Panama to develop autonomously. A small elite of landowners and merchants hoped to exploit the strategic location of their province, envisioning it as a major trade emporium. Foreign entrepreneurs shared this vision, and the area became entangled in a complex international situation that led to its secession from Colombia. | 1 |
| The Panama Isthmus became important at midcentury with the discovery of gold mines in California. A transisthmian railroad was constructed by an American company. Huge numbers of workers died, victims of tropical diseases. | 2 |
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| 1878, May 18 |
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| Colombia granted a French firm, headed by Ferdinand de Lesseps (1805–94), builder of the Suez Canal, exclusive rights to construct a canal. The French Panama Canal Company began work on a sea-level canal in 1880. Labor was recruited in France and the Caribbean. Malaria and yellow fever took a heavy toll; an estimated 21,000 French, 16,000 Jamaicans, and 8,000 Haitians died. The company reorganized in 1894, and work continued until 1899, when the company declared bankruptcy. Philippe Bunau Varilla (1859–1940), the French chief engineer, began to promote Panamanian independence to clear the way for a U.S. purchase of the French concession. U.S. president Theodore Roosevelt approved Bunau Varilla's plans and sent a warship to guarantee the success of the insurrection. Engaged in civil war (1899–1903), Colombia was unable to control events in Panama. | 3 |
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| 1903, Jan. 22 |
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| THE HAY-HERRÁN TREATY between the U.S. and Colombia provided for U.S. acquisition of a canal zone. It was rejected by the Colombian Senate. | 4 |
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| Nov. 3 |
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| A revolution proclaimed the INDEPENDENCE OF PANAMA from Colombia. The U.S. sent troops and recognized the newly independent state. | 5 |
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| Nov. 18 |
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| Bunau Varilla signed a treaty granting the U.S. control of the canal zone in perpetuity with full jurisdiction. A submissive Panamanian congress promptly approved the HAY–BUNAU VARILLA TREATY, though no Panamanians were involved in its formulation. | 6 |
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