The
project of
building a
canal between the
Pacific and
Atlantic oceans actually began in
1881, when the
French attempted to
construct one through
Colombia. After the company went
bankrupt, the
canal was left behind,
utterly abandoned.
Shortly thereafter, the
United States became interested in a
canal, and asked to buy the land from
Colombia. They apparently refused to sell, but there is still some
speculation today over the depth of our
negotiations. As a result, the
canal project was halted. But not for long.
In
1903, The
United States encouraged a
revolt in Colombia.
Theodore Roosevelt ordered the US Navy to interfere, and stop the incoming Colombian troops who were trying to put down the rebellion. They were successful, and Colombia was forced to accept the
sovereignty of the region in question. The country of
Panama was thus
formed.
Panama immediately approved plans for the
canal, and work began the next year.