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U.S. Authorizes the Building of a Canal through Panama
The U.S. Senate passes the Spooner bill, authorizing the government to build a canal through Panama. It authorized the US to acquire the rights, previous work and equipment from the French for $40 million. The French had first tried to construct a Panama Canal path in the previous years. The US offered $10 million and $250,000 yearly rental to Columbia. Columbia refused and negotiations stopped. Sources: Prentice Hall America, History of our Nation, -
Panama declared its independence from Columbia.
Panama declared its independence from Columbia. President Roosevelt and Panamanian business interests got together to start a revolution. A revolt happened on November 3, 1903, it only lasted for a few hours. The US stationed the ship, Nashville off the coast. Columbia soldiers were bribed to give up. -
The United States recognized the Republic of Panama.
The United States recognized the Republic of Panama. Teddy Roosevelt had sent the USS Nashville to protect "American lives in Panama,” This illustrated the extension of US involvement in foreign policy around the world and using American Power to pursue interests. -
Roosevelt Creates the ICC to manage the Building of the Canal.
President Roosevelt creates the Isthmian Canal Commission (ICC). The goal that Roosevelt gave them was “that results be achieved” and “Make the dirt fly”. The ICC had seven men who were appointed by Roosevelt. -
Panama Canal Construction Starts
The Panama Canal project was started with a dedication ceremony on this date. The diseases, Yellow Fever and Malaria, were rampant and slowed work on the Panama Canal. The chief sanitary office, Dr. William Gorgas came up with a plan to eliminate the mosquitos that carried the diseases. The hardest part of building the canal, was cutting through the Continental Divide. This was called the “Culebra Cut”. -
Yellow Fever is Gone on Panama Canal Project
The last person that had yellow fever on the Panama Canal construction died on this date. Prior to this, the transmission of Yellow Fever had been stopped in December of 1905. This was essential in the success of the Panama Canal Project. -
Panama Canal Open for Business
The Panama Canal opened. Ships had already passed through the Canal prior to this date as a test. The SS Cristobal crossed the canal on August 3, 1914. The opening of the Panama Canal had a great impact on world shipping. However, this was not major news as World War I in Europe had just began recently. All eyes on the world were on Europe. -
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Reflection
Reflection: The scripture verse from Acts 17:26 is similar to the old West African proverb and Roosevelts’ motto: “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far”. Roosevelts’ foreign policy believed that diplomacy was more discreet and could accomplish more but he was willing to use military muscle several times during his Presidency. -
Works Cited
See emailed Google Document
