US Dominance In The Panama Canal

President Theodore Roosevelt expanded American military power and dominance throughout the western hemisphere, through his acquisition in the Panama Canal. The United States presence in the canal expanded American dominance, and advanced military power throughout the western hemisphere.

What is the Panama Canal? The Panama Canal is a 50 mile long man made channel cut out of the isthmus of Panama. The construction of the canal took place from 1903 to 1914. The goal of the canal was to create a route that would enable ships to transport goods between the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. Before the canal was built trade was very difficult. To transport goods between the two oceans an enduring journey below the tip of South America was the only route. Today the Panama Canal is a major key to trade. The construction of the canal reinforced and contributes to the rise of the United States naval power and shows our economic dominance in the Western Hemisphere. According to Feinberg, ”If they [United States] did that [built Panama Canal], they [United States] would control power because they [United States] could control the oceans. The canal was geopolitical strategy to make the United States the most powerful nation on earth” (3). The United States was not the only country that wanted to own Panama, Spain also wanted the country. Although both

He decided he would either take over Panama with force, or help them by providing military forces to fight against the Colombians. Which would help them declare independence. He decided to help them fight. Roosevelt sent the USS Nashville to protect Panama and prevent any attacks, and this was successful. The United States then stepped in to help Panama establish their own government. Two short weeks after, we signed the last treaty with Panama. This treaty gave full rights for the United States to build, run, and fortify a canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific