By Scott

     The Panama Canal had a huge impact on transportation and the lives of Americans. There were two Panama Canal treaties involved. The first treaty made the building of the canal possible. The Panama Canal linked the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, cutting across the Isthmus of Panama. It made a trip from New York to California much easier. The second treaty was important to travel because it gave the United States the right to defend the canal from any military threats.

     The first treaty was signed in 1903. It was between the United States and Panama, and gave the United States the right to build and operate the Panama Canal. The canal was completed in 1914 and it was a great success. It shortened a ship's trip between New York City and San Francisco to less than 5,200 miles. It saved ships the trip around South America, which was distance of more than 13,000 miles.

     But people in Panama were not happy because they wanted control of the canal. They also wanted the United States to leave. The solution to this problem was a second treaty, which was the result of many years of negotiations. The United States didn’t want to give up control, but the people in Panama had different plans.

     The second treaty is known as the Torrijos-Carter Treaty. This neutrality treaty said that the United States had the permanent right to defend the canal from any threats. In addition, as of midnight on January 1, 2000, Panama would be in full control of the canal, but not responsible for the canal’s defense. It was signed by the United States and Panama in Washington D.C. on September 7, 1977. The treaty is named after its two signatories, US President, Jimmy Carter and Panama’s leader, Omar Torrijos. This important treaty was ratified by the United States Senate on March 16, 1978.      

     The Panama Canal treaties were vital for ships traveling to California. They made sure that the Panama Canal was built and kept it safe. Before, ships had to go around South America, but after the canal was built travelers had a short cut. California, here we come!

For more information:
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ho/time/dr/17454.htm
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/treasures_of_congress/
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