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The French abandon an unsuccessful attempt to build a canal through Panama.
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The U.S. Senate votes in favor of the canal and authorizes the government to build it.
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The United States offers a treaty to Columbia. They decline due to unacceptable financial terms. It would have provided the U.S. with the land and rights to build a canal through Panama.
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Roosevelt sends U.S. warships to Panama City to help Panama declare its independence from Columbia.
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Panama declares independence
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Panama negotiates a 10 mile strip of land for a canal with the United States for over 10 million.
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The U.S. acquires French property relating to the canal for $40 million.
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Construction on the canal begins.
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President Theodore Roosevelt travels to Panama and becomes the first U.S. president to travel abroad while in office.
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The canal officially opened on this day.
