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| 1965, Sept.–1967, June |
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| Negotiation of new agreements with the U.S. Final drafts provided for abrogation of the 1903 treaty, recognition of Panamanian sovereignty over the canal zone, and Panama's right to a share in the management of the canal, as well as the right of the U.S. to ensure defense. | 1 |
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| 1968, March 14 |
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| The National Assembly voted to impeach Pres. Robles on charges of misuse of public funds. Robles called on the National Guard for support. Clashes between the guard and the populace followed (March 24–29). | 2 |
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| May 12 |
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| In presidential elections, David Samudio, Robles's candidate, was defeated by former president Arnulfo Arias. | 3 |
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| Oct. 11–12 |
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| Arias was ousted by the National Guard. Brig. Gen. OMAR TORRIJOS HERRERA (1929–81), commander of the guard, emerged as the provisional junta's dominant figure. Torrijos, a nationalist and populist, sought to stir up sentiment over the canal and unite diverse Panamanian classes behind his regime. Torrijos first jailed numerous Communists, but later he invited several members of leftist movements into his cabinet. The regime also decreed banking and tax laws that attracted numerous banks to the country, as did Torrijos's retention of the U.S. dollar as the official currency. | 4 |
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