Why Did The United States Use The Panama Canal?

During the late 1880s the United States became a superpower and with this entitlement began to hold influence all over the world. Primarily this power was used in the Western Hemisphere where they served or at the very least pretended to serve as a watchful protector from foreign powers. This “big brother” approach began with the Monroe Doctrine in 1823, where President James Monroe stated that there would be a clear division between the New World and the European autocratic realm. Then in 1898 United States signed the Treaty of Paris, which in place removed Spain completely from the New World. The U.S. began to seriously look like a sort of big brother to the rest of the Americas, but history shows that the U.S. used this power and almost eradicated these countries. From political policy, corruption, and the use of military force the U.S. used any means to abuse these countries and completely change the political atmosphere in these third world countries.
The canal would have not been possible if it wasn’t for an extreme extension of power by then president, Teddy Roosevelt. According to Juan Gonzalez’s book, Harvest of Empire, Roosevelt backed a plan created by New York lawyer William Cromwell, Frenchmen Philippe Bunau-Varilla, and Panamanian Manuel Amador. They led a revolt in Panama City and with the help of sailors dispatched by Roosevelt they ensured the rebellion’s success and proclaimed independence for Panama. Soon after, Bunau-Varilla was named ambassador and he granted access to the U.S. to build the