The Panama Canal is one of the most significant engineering feats of the 20th century. It connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, shortening the distance between them and enabling global commerce to flourish. However, the construction of the canal was not without controversy. This article explores the various groups and branches of government that had a stake in the project and their level of support or opposition towards it.
Historical Context
The idea of constructing a canal across Panama had been floating around for centuries. It wasn’t until the United States took an interest in it during the late 19th century that the project began to gain some traction. During the Spanish-American War, the US realized the strategic value of having a canal to quickly move its navy between the Atlantic and Pacific. However, the construction of a canal proved to be a complicated and expensive endeavor.
President Roosevelt’s Support
President Theodore Roosevelt was a staunch supporter of the construction of the Panama Canal. He was a firm believer in American exceptionalism and saw the canal as a way to solidify the US’s status as a world power. Roosevelt was willing to use military force to acquire the rights to build the canal and pushed through legislation that allowed the US to do so.
Congressional Debates
The construction of the Panama Canal was not universally supported in Congress. Some lawmakers were concerned about the cost of the project and the impact it would have on the environment. There were also debates about whether the US should build the canal in Nicaragua instead. Despite these objections, Congress ultimately approved the construction of the Panama Canal.
The Role of the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court also had a role to play in the construction of the Panama Canal. In 1903, the court ruled that the US had the right to build the canal in Panama, even though it was technically a part of Colombia at the time. This decision paved the way for negotiations with the Colombian government that ultimately led to the US acquiring control of the Panama Canal Zone.
Public Opinion and Media Coverage
Public opinion about the construction of the Panama Canal was mixed. Some Americans saw it as a great achievement, while others were concerned about the cost and the impact it would have on the environment. The media coverage of the project was also divided. Some newspapers praised the canal as a great engineering feat, while others criticized it as an example of American imperialism.
Opposition from Environmentalists
Environmentalists were among the most vocal opponents of the construction of the Panama Canal. They were concerned about the impact it would have on the rainforest and the wildlife that lived there. The construction of the canal involved deforestation, dredging, and the creation of artificial lakes, all of which had a significant impact on the environment.
Opposition from Labor Unions
Labor unions were also opposed to the construction of the Panama Canal. They were concerned about the working conditions for the laborers who were building the canal. Many of these workers were from the Caribbean and were subjected to terrible working conditions, including long hours and low pay.
Opposition from Business Interests
Some businesses were also opposed to the construction of the Panama Canal. They were concerned that the canal would hurt their profits by making it easier for other countries to compete with American businesses. However, other businesses saw the canal as an opportunity to expand their markets and supported its construction.
Negotiations with Colombia
Before the US could begin construction of the Panama Canal, it had to negotiate with the Colombian government. The negotiations were difficult, with the Colombian government initially unwilling to grant the US the right to build the canal. However, the US was able to use its economic and military power to persuade the Colombian government to agree to the terms of the Hay-Bunau Varilla Treaty.
Senate Ratification and Funding
Once the negotiations with Colombia were complete, the US had to ratify the treaty and secure funding for the construction of the canal. The Senate ratified the treaty in 1903, and Congress allocated $40 million for the project. Over the next decade, the US would spend over $350 million on the construction of the Panama Canal.
Conclusion
The construction of the Panama Canal was a complex and controversial project that involved multiple branches of government and numerous interest groups. While there was opposition from environmentalists, labor unions, and some businesses, there was enough support from the US government to see the project through to completion. Today, the Panama Canal remains an important symbol of American engineering prowess and a vital component of global commerce.
