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Panama
Canal and the history of Panama
The history of Panama has always been influenced
by its strategic location and the construction of the Panama
Canal. Before the arrival of the Spaniards in the region panama
had a rich history and culture to boast. Panama was inhabited by
tribes like Cuevas and Cocole.The arrivals of Rodrigo de Bastidas
from Seville, and later AVasco Núñez de Balboa in
1513 were to change Panamian history. Balbao discovered that another
ocean lay on the other side of the isthumus.This meant that now
Panama could be used as centre for trade of contraband Spanish goods,
for treasures taken from Peru which had been conquered by Spain
and for slave trade.During this period in Panamian history many
of the indigenous tribes were destroyed. Panama was a part of Spain
for three hundred years. Its geopolitical importance waned for many
reasons-firstly, Spanish power in Europe faded by the middle of
the 18 th century. Secondly ,while the route was short ,it involved
expensive labor .Thirdly, the region was prone to attacks by pirates
called Cimarrons. Cimarrons were African slaves who had fled from
their masters and settled in the interior part of Panama. Panama
became less important strategically during the 19 th century.
In 1821 Columbia became independent from Spain and Panama became
part of Columbia.This has significance in Panamian history because
it can be considered as the first step towards independence. During
the later part of the 19 th century Panama struggle for independence
from Columbia had begun .Henceforth Panamian history was to very
much linked to its relation with the U.S.The construction of the
Panama Canal with the help of the U.S was the next turning point
in the history of Panama .When Panama declared independence from
Columbia in 1903, the U.S troops were ready to protect the new government.The
new Panamian Government granted the U.S rights in perpetuity on
either side of the Canal.The Panama Doctrine of U.S president Theodore
Roosevelt involved the eradication of the dreaded Malaria causing-
mosquitoes from Panama.The Canal was completed in 1914 and continued
to be an important shipping route.Before the beginning of the Second
World War,Columbia had revoked all claims on Panama and the U.S
had given up legal rights to use its troops outside the Canal zone.
During the War ,the Canal became strategically important for the
U.S and was heavily protected.The Canal was thus to influence Panamian
history as well as its relation with the U.S.
Every now and then in the history of Panama the elected governments
were over thrown and there was much political instability and corruption
. From 1903 to 1968 Panama was controlled by powerful commercial
oligarchy. But the army wasalso gaining in influence meanwhile ..A
Brig. Gen. Omar Torrijos, seized powerin 1972. He is regarded by
many as the first true representative of the masses in the historyof
panama He is regarded as a hero for two reasons-Firstly ,though
his rule was harsh, his populist measures made him popular among
the people. Secondly,he negotiated with the U.S for the return of
the Panama Canal and Canal zone in Jan uary2000.In 1983 ,Torrijos
died in a plane crash and Gen. Manuel Noriega became head of the
Panama Defense Forces. Noriega remained in power with the help of
income from drug trafficking. At first the U.S turned eye to this.
In 1989, Noriega appointed himself the dictator and declared war
on U.S. The U.S sent troops to Panama. In the fighting that ensued
thousands were killed and Noriega himself was forced to seek asylum
in Vatican Embassy. Eventually, Noriega was arrested, tried and
sentenced to 40 years in prison. Elections were held and Guillermo
Endara took office in 1989. His presidency was witness to much corruption
and social unrest. Those continued to be issues when Ernesto Pérez
Balladares (El Toro) won the 1994 election.
Mireya Moscoso, the head of the conservative Arnulfista Party, and
widow of a former president won the presidency in 1999. She became
the first female president in Panama history. Persistent demands
for the return of the Canal paid off when it was transferred to
Panama in 2000.Her presidency was marked by emphasis on multi lateral
free trade ,closer ties with U. S and counter narcotic measures.
In 2004 Martín Torrijos won the elections.Panama is trying
to get rid of the banana republic tag. Steps to root out corruption
are being taken. In Oct 2006 in a referandum,the
people of Panama voted in favour of expanding the Panama Canal.
Recently Panama has become a member of the U. N. Security Council.
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