The idea of creating a passageway between the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean came about in 1901. This came about after the U.S. had defeated Spain in the Spanish-American war and acquired Puerto Rico and the Philippines. They wanted better access from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean for their navy. The first problem the U.S. had was an act created between them and Britain in 1850. This pact stated that the two nations would construct the canal together and share the costs and profits. It was in 1901 that U.S. wanted to break this agreement and start creation by themselves. This was done with the Hay-Pauncefote Treaty. This treaty allowed for the U.S. to break apart from Britain and create a canal on there own.

The next step was to choose a location for this great idea. The first spot that the U.S. had in mind was Nicaragua. This l

ocation was excellent because of the sea level present. A canal in this area would not need any locks restricting water flow or water levels. Roosevelt along with the government cancelled this location and decided to choose a different location. The French had already started production on a canal in Panama. This canal was about 40% complete when construction was cancelled. The U.S. plan to purchase this somewhat already constructed canal passed when the price was set at 109 million dollars. It was perfect timing when the French lowered the price from 109 million dollars to the mere 40 million. It was then that Roosevelt decided Isthmus, Panama would be the location for their canal. The sea level at this location was not perfect like Nicaragua and would require locks, though the route was shorter and would require less time for a boat to travel through. With the shorter route and the construction already started, the only thing that stopped Roosevelt was permission from the Colombian government.

Since Roosevelt and the U.S. had helped Panama become its own nation, they accepted the treaty. Panama granted the U.S. with the “canal zone;” this zone being 10 miles wide, 6 miles wider than agreed upon with the Colombians, in return for $10 mi

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