History of Everything

Bonus: The American Desire To Take Back The Panama Canal

Mar 20, 2025
Dive into the heated history of the Panama Canal and its geopolitical significance! Discover how the U.S. secured control in the early 20th century and the contentious treaty that returned it to Panama in 1977. Recent comments about reclaiming the canal spark debate over American influence, alongside rising Chinese interests. The discussion also examines the engineering marvel's impact on global trade and the complex dynamics at play, including environmental challenges and corporate deals shaping its future.
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ADVICE

Actively Cross-Check Media Sources

  • Compare diverse media sources to avoid biased conclusions about geopolitical claims and narratives.
  • Use tools like Ground News to see political slants, ownership, and factuality before forming opinions.
INSIGHT

Transfer Marked A Major Sovereignty Shift

  • The Panama Canal was transferred to Panama in 1999 under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, shifting control from the U.S. to the Panama Canal Authority (ACP).
  • That transfer increased Panamanian sovereignty and transformed the canal into a major national revenue source and global trade hub.
ANECDOTE

U.S. Helped Create Panama In 1903

  • The U.S. backed Panamanian rebels in 1903 to break from Colombia, a move intended to secure canal control.
  • Theodore Roosevelt then launched the U.S. takeover of canal construction in 1904.
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