Panama Canal







 The United States has had a significant role in South America over the past century. For example, it facilitated the Colombian revolution, which later led to the independence of Panama in 1903. Although the French attempted to work on the canals in the 1880’s, the Americans ultimately built the Panama Canal during the years of 1904 to 1914. Afterwards, “the Americans looked to identify ways which could permit them to exercise the control in the area where the canal was to be fulfilled...” (Beniamin, 2009, p. 84).

 As a result, the Panama Canal increased American economic growth, military fleets and international trade between the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. The easier access created by the canal “provide[d] the rise of American power on [the] global stage...” (Beniamin, 2009, p. 86). The American Navy was able to grow and better complete its missions because the Panama Canal allowed easier communication between the American east coast and the west coast, compared to going around Cape Horn. The Americans built the Panama Canal to be self-sufficient and only requires to be monitored. The locks open and close depending on the displacement of water in the channels.

             The construction of the canal created tension between the native people and the United States, but was resolved by the Panama Canal Treaty in 1977. The treaty created neutral international waterways which granted safe passage even in times of war. Even though it was built small and is currently being expanded until 2014, the Panama Canal is one of the most highly travelled waterway today.









 Beniamin, B. (2009, May 1). Geopolitics and Transportation. United States and

 Panama Canal. Annals of the University of Oradea : Economic Science,

 2009, Vol. 1 (Issue 1), p.82. Retrieved from http://ebscohost.com



 Matalon.  Panama Canal Expands photo 5  (photograph), (2010). Retrieved December 1, 2012, from: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/06/photogalleries/panama-canal/photo5.html 