Thesis

For three-quarters of a century, the U.S. controlled the Panama Canal under terms that were unfair to Panamanians. Through careful diplomacy by President Jimmy Carter and his administration, two vital treaties were signed between the U.S. and Panama in 1977 and then ratified in 1978. The treaties successfully ended an era of U.S. imperialism in Panama, allowing for improved U.S. relations throughout Latin America. As a consequence of the fierce Senate ratification debate, the conservative “New Right” movement, which opposed the treaties, gained power in American politics.

“Problems are inherent when land controlled by one country bisects another country. A similar situation would exist if France controlled five miles on each side of the Mississippi River and Minnesotans had to go through that French controlled land to get from St. Paul to Minneapolis.”

                                            ~"The Panama Canal Treaties,"
                                                        Marjory Burns Sharnard
                                                                   Board of Directors
                                                        Panama Canal Company

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Nathaniel Larson
Junior Website