President Roosevelt and the Panama Canal
President Theodore Roosevelt was a visionary leader who recognized the importance of a canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The idea of a canal dates back to the early 16th century, but it was only in the late 19th century that the project began to take shape. Roosevelt was a strong advocate for the construction of the canal, and it was under his leadership that the United States acquired the rights to build and operate the canal.
The French attempt to build the canal
The idea of a canal across the Isthmus of Panama was first proposed by the French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps in the late 19th century. The French began construction of the canal in 1881, but the project was plagued by problems from the start. The tropical climate, disease, and difficult terrain made progress slow and costly. The project was abandoned in 1889, and the French company that had been overseeing the construction was bankrupted.
A new route through Panama
Following the failure of the French attempt, the idea of a canal through Panama was not abandoned. Instead, interest shifted to a new route that would be less costly and more feasible. In 1902, the United States began negotiations with Colombia, which controlled Panama at the time, for the rights to build a canal. However, these negotiations fell through, and the United States turned to a different strategy.
The Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty
In order to secure the rights to build a canal through Panama, the United States supported a rebellion in the region that led to the independence of Panama from Colombia. In 1903, the new government of Panama signed the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty with the United States, granting the United States the rights to build and operate the canal. The treaty also gave the United States a strip of land surrounding the canal, known as the Canal Zone.
Funding and construction of the canal
With the rights to build the canal secured, the United States began the task of funding and constructing the project. The construction of the canal was a massive undertaking, requiring the excavation of millions of cubic yards of earth and the construction of massive locks and dams. The project was funded by the sale of bonds and by taxes on products that passed through the canal.
The challenges of the project
The construction of the canal was not without its challenges. The tropical climate of Panama was harsh, and workers were plagued by diseases such as malaria and yellow fever. The terrain was difficult, and many workers died from accidents and landslides. The project was also beset by political problems, as the United States struggled to manage relations with Colombia and Panama.
The role of the United States military
The United States military played a key role in the construction of the canal. The military oversaw the project and provided the majority of the labor force. The military also established a system of health care and sanitation that helped to reduce the spread of disease. The military’s involvement in the project helped to establish the United States as a global power, as it demonstrated the country’s ability to undertake large-scale projects.
The canal’s impact on global trade
The completion of the canal had a significant impact on global trade. The canal reduced the time and cost of shipping goods between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, opening up new markets and opportunities for trade. The canal also made it easier for naval ships to move between the oceans, which was important for the projection of military power.
The controversy surrounding its acquisition
The acquisition of the canal was controversial. Some critics argued that the United States had violated the sovereignty of Colombia and Panama in its pursuit of the canal. Others criticized the United States for its treatment of workers during the construction process, and for its management of the canal after it was completed.
The legacy of the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal remains an important part of global trade and transportation. The canal has undergone significant upgrades and expansions since its completion, and it continues to be a vital link in the global supply chain. The canal also has a rich cultural legacy, as it played an important role in the history of Panama, Colombia, and the United States.
Conclusion: Roosevelt’s vision becomes a reality
The construction of the Panama Canal was a monumental achievement, made possible by the vision and determination of President Roosevelt and the United States government. The canal remains a testament to the power of human ingenuity and the importance of global trade and transportation. Although the acquisition of the canal was controversial, it has had a lasting impact on the world, and it continues to play a vital role in the global economy.
References and further reading
- McCullough, David. The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1977.
- LaFeber, Walter. The Panama Canal: The Crisis in Historical Perspective. New York: Oxford University Press, 1989.
- Mellander, Gustavo A., and Nelly Maldonado Mellander. The United States in Panamanian Politics: The Intriguing Formative Years. Danville, IL: Interstate Publishers, 1989.
