US involvement in Panama Will Matherly Joseph Rincon st Block

Location and History Explored and settled by the Spanish in the 16th century Panama was part of the Spanish Empire for 300 years (1538–1821). indigenous people of the area were often referred to as "indios de guerra" (war Indians), Panama is about miles more south than east of the united states

Location & History Continued… As the Spanish American wars of independence were heating up all across Latin America, Panama City was preparing for independence; however, their plans were accelerated by the unilateral Grito de La Villa de Los Santos (Cry From the Town of Saints), issued on November 10, 1821 by the residents of Azuero without backing from Panama City to declare their separation from the Spanish Empire.

US Involvement in Panama A long believer in Captain Mahan's theory of sea power, Roosevelt began to revitalize the navy. Now that America's empire stretched from the Caribbean across the Pacific, the old idea of a canal between the two oceans took on new urgency. On November 4, 1903, the immediate support of the USA secured the Declaration of Independence of Panama from Colombia. In return, Panama signed the Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty three weeks later, granting the USA sovereign rights over the interoceanic canal that would be built the following year.

US involvement in Panama Continued… The treaty was negotiated in Washington, D.C. and New York City. The terms of the treaty stated that the United States was to receive rights to a canal zone which was to extend five miles on either side of the canal route in perpetuity, and Panama was to receive a payment from the U.S. up to $10 million and an annual rental payment of $250,000. Without the canal ships would have to travel 13,000 miles compared to 5,200 miles with the canal

Action in Intervening In 1903 the Columbian Legislature refused to ratify a treaty to give the United States the right to build and manage a canal, a group of impatient Panamanians, with the support of US Marines, rose in rebellion and declared Panamanian independence.

Forces used United States Marines entered into Panama and rose in rebellion along with the Panamanians to fight for the country’s independence. Theodore Roosevelt was President at this time and it was by far the most important action Roosevelt took in foreign affairs during the time he was President.

The Country’s Reaction No Panamanians signed the treaty although Bunau-Varilla was present as the diplomatic representative of Panama. The ambassador of Colombia in Ecuador Emiliano Isaza was informed of the situation in Panama but did not inform his government to prevent a revolt in Bogotá

Country’s Reaction Continued… The government of Colombia then sent a diplomatic mission to Panama in an effort to make them reconsider by suggesting an approval by the senate of Colombia if they reconsidered the Hay-Herran treaty instead of the Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty and also proposed making Panama City the capital of Colombia

Relationship With Panama Today The United States cooperates with the Panamanian government in promoting economic, political, security, and social development through U.S. and international agencies. Cultural ties between the two countries are strong, and many Panamanians come to the United States for higher education and advanced training. In 2007, the U.S. and Panama partnered to launch a regional health worker training center. The center provides training to community healthcare workers in Panama and throughout Central America. About 25,000 American citizens reside in Panama, many retirees from the Panama Canal Commission and individuals who hold dual nationality. There is also a rapidly growing enclave of American retirees in the Chiriquí Province in western Panama

Relationship With Panama Continued… Panama continues to fight against the illegal narcotics and arms trade. The country's proximity to major cocaine- producing nations and its role as a commercial and financial crossroads make it a country of special importance in this regard. The Panamanian Government has concluded agreements with the U.S. on maritime law enforcement, counterterrorism, counter-narcotics, and stolen vehicles. In the economic investment arena, the Panamanian government has been successful in the enforcement of intellectual property rights and has concluded a Bilateral Investment Treaty Amendment with the United States and an agreement with the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. Although money laundering remains a problem, Panama passed significant reforms in 2000 intended to strengthen its cooperation against international financial crimes.

Evaluation of US Intervention We understand the importance of needing a canal, but if it is against the country’s will, it isn’t right We believe that the United States did the right thing for their own benefit, even though they helped the country declare it’s independence

Evaluation of US Intervention Continued… We don’t believe that what the United States did would be acceptable today because countries have a right to decide what happens inside their country as long as it doesn’t threaten anyone's safety.