Panama Crisis of 1885: A Struggle for Control

The Panama Crisis of 1885 was a significant event in the history of Panama and its relationship with the United States. It marked a turning point in the struggle for control over the construction of the Panama Canal, which would later become one of the most important engineering feats of the 20th century.

Background:
In the late 19th century, the idea of constructing a canal across the Isthmus of Panama gained traction as a way to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The French had attempted to build a canal in the 1880s but faced numerous challenges, including financial difficulties and the outbreak of diseases such as malaria and yellow fever.

The Compagnie Universelle du Canal Interocéanique:

In 1881, a French company called the Compagnie Universelle du Canal Interocéanique, led by Ferdinand de Lesseps, obtained a concession from the Colombian government to build a canal in Panama. The company began construction in 1882 but soon encountered financial problems.

The Panamanian Revolution:

As the French company struggled, a group of Panamanian nationalists led by Manuel Amador Guerrero sought to gain control over the canal project. They believed that Panama should have sovereignty over the canal and its revenues. In 1885, they launched a revolution against the Colombian government, seeking independence for Panama.

United States Intervention:

The United States closely watched the developments in Panama, as the construction of a canal in the region was of great strategic importance to American interests. The U.S. government had previously attempted to negotiate a canal treaty with Colombia but had been unsuccessful.

When the Panamanian revolution broke out, the United States saw an opportunity to secure control over the canal project. The U.S. Navy sent warships to the region to prevent Colombian troops from suppressing the rebellion. The United States recognized Panama as an independent nation just days after its declaration of independence on November 3, 1885.

Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty:

Following the recognition of Panama’s independence, the United States quickly negotiated the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty with the new Panamanian government. This treaty granted the United States exclusive rights to build and operate a canal in Panama in perpetuity.

The treaty also established the Panama Canal Zone, a 10-mile-wide strip of land that would be controlled by the United States. This zone would become a source of tension between the United States and Panama in the years to come.

Legacy:

The Panama Crisis of 1885 had far-reaching consequences. It marked the beginning of U.S. involvement in Panama and set the stage for the eventual construction of the Panama Canal. The United States would control the canal until its transfer to Panama in 1999.

The crisis also highlighted the power dynamics between the United States and Latin American countries. The United States’ intervention in Panama was seen by many as an example of American imperialism, as it sought to secure its economic and strategic interests in the region.

In conclusion, the Panama Crisis of 1885 was a pivotal moment in the history of Panama and the United States. It represented a struggle for control over the construction of the Panama Canal and set the stage for future developments in the region. The crisis highlighted the complex dynamics between powerful nations and smaller countries, as well as the challenges and opportunities presented by large-scale engineering projects.