Roosevelt’s Endorsement of a Revolution in Panama
In November 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt endorsed a revolution that was taking place in Panama against Colombia. The move was a significant departure from the traditional foreign policy of the United States, which had always avoided intervention in the internal affairs of other nations. Roosevelt’s endorsement was rooted in his vision of expanding American influence in the world, including the construction of a canal in Panama.
The Panama Canal: A Strategic Asset for the US
The Panama Canal was seen as a strategic asset for the United States, as it would provide a shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, saving time and money for shipping. The United States had been interested in building a canal in Central America for decades, but had been unable to secure a suitable location. Panama, which was then part of Colombia, was the ideal location for the canal, but negotiations with the Colombian government had stalled.
Political Crisis in Panama: The 1903 Coup d’Etat
In 1903, a political crisis erupted in Panama, as the government of Colombia attempted to assert more control over the province. A group of Panamanian elites, who were eager to see the canal built, saw an opportunity to break away from Colombia and establish an independent state. They staged a coup d’etat, with the help of American officials, and declared Panama an independent republic.
The Colombian Response: A Refusal to Negotiate
The Colombian government, however, refused to negotiate with the new government in Panama, and demanded that the United States intervene to restore Colombian control. Roosevelt saw this as an opportunity to secure American control over the canal, and began working behind the scenes to ensure that Panama remained independent.
Roosevelt’s Ambition: A Canal under US Control
Roosevelt’s ambition was to build a canal under American control, which would allow the United States to project its power and influence in the region. He believed that the canal would be essential for American commerce and national security, and that its construction would establish the United States as a world power.
The Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty: A Controversial Agreement
In 1903, the United States negotiated the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty with the new government of Panama, which granted the United States control over a strip of land known as the Canal Zone. The treaty was controversial, as it was seen as a violation of Panamanian sovereignty, and many accused the United States of bullying a weaker nation into submission.
US Intervention in the Canal Zone: A Sensitive Issue
US intervention in the Canal Zone was a sensitive issue for both Panamanians and Americans. Panamanians resented American control over the canal, and the United States was sensitive to accusations of imperialism and exploitation.
Roosevelt’s Justification: The Doctrine of Preventive Intervention
Roosevelt justified his intervention in Panama through the Doctrine of Preventive Intervention, which held that the United States had the right to intervene in the affairs of other nations to protect American interests. This doctrine became a cornerstone of American foreign policy in the 20th century, and was used to justify interventions in Cuba, Nicaragua, and other countries.
Public Opinion: Domestic Support and International Criticism
The American public largely supported Roosevelt’s intervention in Panama, as they saw the canal as a vital national interest. However, the international community was critical of the United States, accusing it of violating international law and ignoring the principle of self-determination.
The Legacy of Roosevelt’s Action: A Diplomatic Precedent
Roosevelt’s endorsement of the Panamanian revolution set a diplomatic precedent, as it established the United States as a dominant power in the Western Hemisphere and signaled a shift in American foreign policy toward interventionism. The legacy of this action is still felt today, as debates over American interventionism and imperialism continue.
The Panama Canal in the 21st Century: An Enduring Controversy
The Panama Canal remains a controversial issue in the 21st century, as the United States continues to exercise control over the Canal Zone. Panamanians continue to demand greater control over the canal, and the international community remains critical of American interventionism and imperialism.
Conclusion: Assessing Roosevelt’s Endorsement of a Revolution in Panama
Theodore Roosevelt’s endorsement of a revolution in Panama was a significant departure from traditional American foreign policy, and set a precedent for American interventionism in the 20th century. While the canal remains a vital strategic asset for the United States, the legacy of Roosevelt’s action is still felt today, as the international community continues to grapple with issues of interventionism and imperialism.
