In 1903, Panama, which was then part of Colombia, gained its independence with the support of the United States. Shortly after, the United States signed the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty with Panama, which granted the U.S. perpetual control of a zone of land for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Panama Canal.
Roosevelt was instrumental in overseeing the planning, construction, and completion of the Panama Canal. He appointed a team of engineers and administrators, including John Frank Stevens and George Washington Goethals, to lead the project. Under their leadership, the construction of the canal progressed rapidly.
One of the most significant challenges faced during the construction was the prevalence of malaria and yellow fever, which were rampant in the area. Roosevelt took a keen interest in the health and welfare of the workers and authorized the implementation of innovative sanitation measures. These efforts proved successful in controlling the diseases, allowing the work on the canal to continue without major interruptions.
The Panama Canal was finally completed in 1914, after a decade of construction. It stands as a testament to the vision, leadership, and engineering prowess of Theodore Roosevelt and the many individuals involved in its creation. The canal has played a vital role in global trade and transportation ever since its opening.
