USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The second, the Panama Canal Treaty, provided for joint U.S.-Panama control of the canal until December 31, 1999, when Panama would take full control. The Senate’s debate over the Panama Canal in the spring of 1978 was the first to be broadcast live on radio from the Senate chamber.

Detailed explanation-2: -On December 31, 1999, the United States, in accordance with the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, officially hands over control of the Panama Canal, putting the strategic waterway into Panamanian hands for the first time.

Detailed explanation-3: -In 1903, the US Secretary of State and Panama’s ambassador to the US signed a treaty giving the US control of a strip of land across the brand-new Republic of Panama. The US would have complete authority over the Canal Zone “in perpetuity.” In exchange, the US would make annual payments to Panama.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Canal and the Panamanians. The frayed relations between the U.S. and Panama began almost immediately after the signing of the 1903 Hay-Bunau-Varilla treaty that allowed the U.S. to build and maintain the Panama Canal on the Isthmus of Panama.