Panama is a Central American country that is widely known for its famous canal, which connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Over the years, this small country has attracted the attention of many well-known people from around the world. In this article, we will explore some of the most famous men associated with Panama and their contributions to the country’s history.
Ferdinand de Lesseps
Ferdinand de Lesseps was a French diplomat who is considered the father of the Panama Canal. He was the driving force behind the construction of the Suez Canal and believed that a similar waterway could be built in Panama. In 1879, de Lesseps founded the French Panama Canal Company, which began work on the project but ultimately failed due to financial and engineering challenges. Despite this setback, de Lesseps’ vision for a canal in Panama inspired others to continue the project, which was eventually completed by the United States in 1914.
Phillipe Bunau-Varilla
Phillipe Bunau-Varilla was a French engineer and diplomat who played a significant role in the creation of the Panama Canal. After the French canal effort failed, Bunau-Varilla worked with American officials to negotiate the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty, which granted the United States control of the Canal Zone. He also helped to secure funding for the project and oversaw the construction of critical infrastructure, including the locks and dams. Bunau-Varilla is widely regarded as a hero in Panama for his contributions to the canal project, and a major street in Panama City is named after him.
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States and is closely associated with the Panama Canal. He played a crucial role in the Canal’s construction by supporting the Panamanian independence movement and brokering the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty. Roosevelt also oversaw the construction of the canal during his presidency, which was completed in 1914. The canal was a significant achievement for the United States, and it greatly enhanced the country’s economic and military power.
William Crawford Gorgas
William Crawford Gorgas was an American physician who played a crucial role in the construction of the Panama Canal. Gorgas was tasked with controlling the spread of yellow fever and malaria, which were prevalent in the region and had previously stalled the French canal effort. He used aggressive measures to combat these diseases, including mosquito control and sanitation measures. Gorgas’ efforts were successful, and his work paved the way for the completion of the canal.
Manuel Noriega
Manuel Noriega was a Panamanian military leader who was closely associated with the United States. He rose to power in the 1980s and was supported by the CIA as a way to counter left-wing movements in the region. However, Noriega’s rule was marked by corruption, medicine trafficking, and human rights abuses. In 1989, the United States invaded Panama and removed Noriega from power. He was later convicted of medicine trafficking and other crimes and spent several years in jail.
Omar Torrijos
Omar Torrijos was a Panamanian military leader who ruled the country from 1968 until his death in 1981. He is widely regarded as a hero in Panama for his efforts to modernize the country and promote social justice. Torrijos played a crucial role in negotiating the Panama Canal treaties with the United States, which guaranteed Panama control of the canal by the end of the 20th century.
John McCain
John McCain was an American politician and military veteran who supported the United States’ invasion of Panama in 1989. He also played a key role in negotiating the Panama Canal treaties during his time in the Senate. McCain was a staunch advocate for free trade and supported the expansion of the canal in the early 2000s.
James Baker III
James Baker III was a prominent American politician and diplomat who served as Secretary of State under President George H.W. Bush. He played a crucial role in negotiating the Panama Canal treaties, which transferred control of the canal to Panama by the end of the 20th century. Baker also supported efforts to promote democracy and economic development in Panama.
George H.W. Bush
George H.W. Bush was the 41st President of the United States and played a crucial role in negotiating the Panama Canal treaties. He also oversaw the United States’ invasion of Panama in 1989, which removed Manuel Noriega from power. Bush was a strong advocate for free trade and supported the expansion of the canal in the early 2000s.
George W. Bush
George W. Bush was the 43rd President of the United States and oversaw the completion of the Panama Canal expansion project in 2016. The expansion project doubled the canal’s capacity and allowed it to handle larger ships, which has greatly increased global trade. Bush also supported efforts to promote economic development and democracy in Panama.
Barack Obama
Barack Obama was the 44th President of the United States and visited Panama in 2015 to attend the Summit of the Americas. During his visit, Obama met with Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela to discuss economic and political issues in the region. Obama also visited the Panama Canal and praised the expansion project, which he said would benefit both the United States and Panama.
