Unit 3 Notes 3: United States in Latin America Part II

What is a Canal?
What is a canal?

Why build a Canal?

Why would the United States want a canal built ?

Why build in Panama?

Why build a canal in Panama?

How the Canal was built

In 1901, the United States negotiated a deal with Great Britain which gave them exclusive rights to build and control a canal in Central America In 1903, Panama was still a part of Colombia The United States offered Colombia $10 million and a yearly rent of $250,000 for the right to construct the canal and control the land around it Colombia refused

How the Canal was built

Fearing the loss of all the money the canal would bring, business interests in Panama arranged for an uprising in Panama and declared the countrys independence To insure Colombia did not interfere with the rebellion, the United States sent battleships to Panama The US announced that they recognized Panamas independence and within two weeks signed a deal that gave them control of the canal

Stats on the Panama Canal

The canal took 10 years to build 40,000 workers needed (10% died during construction) Cost $390 million US has collected over $250 billion in tolls It takes about 8 hours to navigate the 50 mile canal The US retained control of the canal through 1999 when control was turned over to Panama

Question?
Many people believed the United States used excessive force in getting the Panama Canal built. President Roosevelt countered by saying that he was advancing the needs of collective civilization by connecting the Pacific with the Atlantic. Which side do you agree with?