The U.S. gaining possession of the Panama Canal Zone

Panama was originally part of Colombia. But by the turn of the century, the United States wanted the sole possession of the isthmian canal to move warships and commerce between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

In 1902, the U.S. Congress authorised the purchase of the French canal company. This depended on a treaty with Colombia, who refused because they feared a loss of sovereignty. With the support of the U.S., the Panamanians declared independence from Colombia in 1903. This allowed the U.S. to sign a treaty with Panama, granting the U.S. possession of the Panama Canal Zone.