The construction of the Panama Canal in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was driven by the desire for an efficient route for maritime trade and military travel between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The canal facilitated quicker and easier transport, connecting the United States to both coasts, reducing travel times, and boosting trade and naval operations.
The US perception of the canal as a strategic asset was evident in the efforts made to secure and maintain its control. This included the negotiation of the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty in 1903, which effectively granted the United States exclusive rights to construct and manage the canal. Over the following decades, the US invested in infrastructure development and military presence to safeguard its interests in the canal.
However, US attitudes towards the Panama Canal also evolved over time. As international relations changed and anti-colonial sentiments grew stronger in the 20th century, the United States faced pressure to adjust its policies and recognize the sovereignty concerns of Panama. This, in turn, culminated in the signing of the Panama Canal Treaties of 1977, transferring control of the canal to Panama on December 31, 1999.
In conclusion, US attitudes towards the Panama Canal during the 20th century support the idea that the canal served as a strategic asset for the United States, motivating its involvement in the construction, control, and eventual transfer of the canal to ensure economic and military dominance in the region.
