jan 1, 1904 - Panama Canal /Hay Bunau-Varilla Treaty

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In 1903, TR was determined to get an isthmian canal even if he had to create a country to get it. When the U.S. Colombia Treaty failed because Colombia wanted $15 million more, the U.S. military was used to protect a "revolution" in the northern most province of Colombia called Panama. (There had been previous attempts by Panama to break away from Colombia's rule) TR extended diplomatic recognition to the new nation within 3 days of the "revolution". The U.S. Congress paid $40 million to the New Panama Canal Company and $10 million to the new nation Panama for a 10 mile wide zone in which to build a canal. Pretty soon after that, dirt was flying.

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