The Canal and the Americas 10

The war with Spain increased U. S. interest in building a canal through Panama to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, which was seen as beneficial for trade and military movement. The French had attempted to build the canal in the late 1800s but faced engineering challenges. In 1903, after Colombia's legislature refused a treaty for the canal, Panamanians, supported by U. S. Marines, rebelled and declared independence, with President Theodore Roosevelt recognizing the new country. A treaty granted the U. S. a permanent lease for the Panama Canal Zone in exchange for $10 million and an annual fee, while Colombia received $25 million.

The Panama Canal was completed in 1914, a significant engineering success. During this period, the U. S. also intervened in various Latin American nations for reasons ranging from political stability to protecting investments. President Woodrow Wilson notably sent troops into Mexico to address issues caused by Francisco “Pancho” Villa. In the late 19th century, the U. S. promoted cooperation among American nations, leading to the formation of the Pan-American Union. Later, Presidents Hoover and Roosevelt moved to reject interventionist policies, with Roosevelt’s Good Neighbor Policy easing tensions.