The U.s. Interest in the Panama Canal

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Why do you think the United States (U.S.) became involved with Latin America? If you said, it was because we wanted something, you are right. Throughout history we have always wanted something from somebody and as customary, we get it. In the case of Latin America, we were in need of a more logical passage from coast to coast. The perfect solution was, the Panama Canal. We knew what we needed, so we did everything in our power to get it. President Roosevelt didn't care how it happened or at what cost as long as it was ours. Once we took control of the canal we would not relinquish it. It wasn't until 1999 when we finally gave them back their land. Yet, today they are still paying for our involvement in the canal. The U.S. needed an easier way to get to and from the east and west coasts. Back in the 1890's the original site for the canal was Nicaragua. However, this idea was quickly rejected and any plans for a new site were put on hold. "Back in 1878 Ferdinand de Lesseps, the French engineer who built the Suez Canal, received the rights to build a canal in Panama, which was then part of Colombia." (Buschini, J.). Work on the canal commenced in 1881, but by 1889 tropical disease, engineering problems and financial mismanagement brought all construction to a halt. After the Spanish-American War in 1898 the U.S. had a physical desire for the canal. We now needed a faster way for our navy to access the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. So in "1902 - 1903 President Theodore Roosevelt decided that we needed the Panama Canal and tried to negotiate a treaty with Colombia." (Encarta) Unfortunately, for them, the Colombian government would reject all our offers. Panamanians were afraid that we would build the canal in Nicar... ... middle of paper ... ...Buschini, J. An online history of the United States, 2000, http://www.smplanet.com/imperialism/joining.html Cruises, Panama Canal, 2003 http://www.panamacanal-cruises.com/panama-canal-history/usinvolvement.htm Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2004, http://encarta.msn.com/text_761559188__10/Panama_Canal.html Huberman, Leo "Latin America & underdevelopment - history of American economic involvement in Latin America" 2003 http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1132/is_5_55/ai_108882473 McCullough, David. "The Path Between the Seas" 1977.

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