Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty

Quick Facts: Who was Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty?

Subject:

Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty

Known for:

1903 treaty establishing the Panama Canal Zone between the US and Panama.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty (Spanish: Tratado Hay-Bunau Varilla) was a treaty signed on November 18, 1903, by the United States and Panama, which established the Panama Canal Zone and the subsequent construction of the Panama Canal. It was named after its two primary negotiators, Philippe-Jean Bunau-Varilla, the French diplomatic representative of Panama, and United States secretary of state John Hay.

Career & Major Achievements

From 1882, Ferdinand de Lesseps, who had built the Suez Canal, started work on a canal traversing the Isthmus of Panama, which was then part of Colombia. By 1889, with engineering challenges caused by frequent landslides, slippage of equipment and mud, plus disease, the effort failed in bankruptcy.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

After the collapse of the de Lesseps efforts to build the Panama Canal, Bunau-Varilla became an important shareholder of the Compagnie Nouvelle du Canal de Panama, which still had the concession, as well as certain valuable assets, for the building of a canal in Panama. The US intent to influence the area, especially the Panama Canal's construction and control, led to the separation of Panama from Colombia in 1903 and its establishment as an independent state.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1882: 1882 Milestone — From 1882, Ferdinand de Lesseps, who had built the Suez Canal, started work on a canal traversing the Isthmus of Panama, which was then part of Colombia.
2. 1889: 1889 Milestone — By 1889, with engineering challenges caused by frequent landslides, slippage of equipment and mud, plus disease, the effort failed in bankruptcy.
3. 1903: 1903 Milestone — The Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty (Spanish: Tratado Hay-Bunau Varilla) was a treaty signed on November 18, 1903, by the United States and Panama, which established the Panama Canal Zone and the subsequent construction of the Panama Canal.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty

True or False: “The Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty granted the United States control over the Panama Canal Zone, a control that was eventually relinquished by the Torrijos–Carter Treaties.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The treaty established US authority over the Canal Zone, but this control was legally transferred back to Panama through the subsequent Torrijos–Carter Treaties in 1979.

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• Alan Paton — Historical peer (Born in 1903) (1903): Pioneering South African author and anti-apartheid activist.
• A. A. Milne — Historical peer (Born in 1882) (1882): Celebrated English author, famed for Winnie-the-Pooh and children's literature.
• Abd el-Krim — Historical peer (Born in 1882) (1882): Moroccan revolutionary leader who spearheaded the revolt against French and Spanish Protectorates.
• A. Philip Randolph — Historical peer (Born in 1889) (1889): Pioneer labor unionist and civil rights activist who fought for racial equality.
• Abel Gance — Historical peer (Born in 1889) (1889): French cinematic pioneer, celebrated for his mastery of montage and epic filmmaking.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty