The Panama Canal: A Historical Lens on U.S. Influence Amid Trump’s 2024 Demands
The Panama Canal stands as one of the most significant engineering feats in modern history, an artery of global trade linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Its history is a tale of ambition, geopolitics, and shifting power dynamics. Now, in 2024, with Donald Trump demanding lower transit fees or the canal’s return to U.S. control, the canal’s historical trajectory and U.S. involvement take center stage once again. Let’s delve into this history and examine the implications of Trump’s statements.
The Origins of the Panama Canal
The concept of a canal across Central America dates back to the early 16th century, with Spanish explorers envisioning a shortcut to expedite global trade. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that the idea gained momentum. Initial efforts by the French under Ferdinand de Lesseps in the 1880s failed spectacularly due to financial mismanagement, tropical diseases like malaria, and…
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