Theodore Roosevelt, Colombia, and the Panamanian Revolution

Michael Caglioti challenges the assumption that President Roosevelt acted immorally in the negotiations and events leading to the Panamanian Revolution of 1903 that ultimately led to the construction of the Panama Canal by the United States in the independent nation of Panama. Caglioti details why Roosevelt wanted the Canal built, and looks at the treaties the United States entered into with various countries to pave the way for United States sovereignty over a future canal. He contends that elements of Colombia’s government, press, and public opinion refused to recognize the reality of the United States’ superior economic, diplomatic and military power when negotiating the canal treaty.

Caglioti further notes that the Colombian government refused to ratify the Hay-Herran Convention authorizing the building of the canal because it wanted more money, and details the benefits that Colombia would have received from the canal’s construction. He argues that Roosevelt’s “guilt” in the Panama affair is usually tied to whether his administration gave an explicit assurance of assistance to the Panamanian rebels. He says that Roosevelt acted, as he should have, in the best interests of the United States in helping the revolution succeed.

A photograph of Roosevelt sitting in one of the steam shovels used in the construction of the canal accompanies the article.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Creation Date

1976

Creator(s)

Caglioti, Michael, 1958-2018

Language

English

Period

Theodore Roosevelt and Public Memory (1919-present)

Page Count

5

Production Method

Printed

Record Type

Image

Resource Type

Magazine article

Rights

No permission is required from the Theodore Roosevelt Association to use items in the Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal collection for educational purposes. For permissions, contact William Tilchin at (516) 921-6319 or by email at wnt@bu.edu.

Citation