Why was the Panama canal built, what was/were the primary reason/s? (1 Viewer)

[bongsaway]

President elect trump seems to think we own, maybe this is why?

• Panama's independence
  Panama declared independence from Colombia in 1903 after Colombian troops were unable to cross the harsh jungles.
  
  
  
• U.S. intervention
  The U.S. dispatched warships to Panama's coasts and prewrote a constitution that gave them the right to intervene in Panama.
  Sorta' like how the Nazis made it illegal for Jews to own art Hitler didn't like, so they could steal it from them 'legally' from the laws the Nazis passed, how convenient.
  

 

[Rexedgar]

The US was instrumental in the separation of what would become Panama from Columbia. Once the Panamanian independence was achieved, we began our efforts on the canal at the isthmus.

Panamanian independence NOV 1903
US begins work on the French leavings MAY 1904

Then there was the $25 million payment to Columbia for the recognition of Panama.
The “Banana Wars” were already in full swing.

 

[Craig234]

The US wanted it for the trade advantages. IIUC it demanded the land from Colombia, whose land it was. They refused. So the US went to rebels and told them they could have a new country if they gave the land, and created Panama. Around 75 years later, under Carter it was agreed to give the land back to Panama. Some Republicans objected. Some still do.

 

[Loulit01]

A man a plan a canal Panama

 

[Fearandloathing]

President elect trump seems to think we own, maybe this is why?

• Panama's independence
  Panama declared independence from Colombia in 1903 after Colombian troops were unable to cross the harsh jungles.
  
  
  
• U.S. intervention
  The U.S. dispatched warships to Panama's coasts and prewrote a constitution that gave them the right to intervene in Panama.
  Sorta' like how the Nazis made it illegal for Jews to own art Hitler didn't like, so they could steal it from them 'legally' from the laws the Nazis passed, how convenient.

Because America built it and did own it for a number of years.

It was losing money badly so Jimmy Carter turned it over to Panama

 

[dseag2]

It was built because without the Panama Canal as a trade route ships had to navigate around South America via the Strait of Magellan, adding thousands of miles and weeks to the journey. The Panama Canal is a much shorter, more efficient route.