America as a World PowerCh 10-4

$$$ Panama Canal $$$

• In 1880, French companies directed by Ferdinand de Lesseps, the builder of the Suez Canal, began construction of the Panama Canal. 

• But after seven years of fighting diseases and the problems of the jungle terrain, de Lesseps was forced to abandon the project.

• In 1903, the province of Panama declared its independence from Colombia and immediately signed the Hay-Bunau Varilla Treaty which authorized the United States to start construction of the Canal in 1904. 

• It was completed and started operations on August 15, 1914 when the U.S. cargo ship  Ancon made a historic first transit while the war was raging in Europe.

• Roosevelt Corollary- was added to the Monroe Doctrine and stated that the U.S. has the right to protest its foreign interests by means of military intervention in Latin American Countries/Western Hemisphere

• “Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick”-Roosevelt stated this which meant that his negotiations were always backed up by military force.

Mexican Revolution

• For more than 30 years, Mexico had been ruled by a military dictator, Porfirio Diaz.

• Diaz encouraged foreign investments, therefore, many American companies owned many Mexican oil wells, mines, railroads, and ranches.

• Foreign investors grew rich while the people of Mexico were desperately poor.

Mexican Revolution Timeline

• 1911-Madero overthrows Diaz• 1913-Huerta kills Madero and takes over.

– U.S. President Wilson does not officially recognize Mexico’s President, Huerta. U.S. looks for any excuse to go to war with Mexico.

• 1914-Huerta’s officers arrest American sailors. The U.S. uses that as an excuse to invade Veracruz.

• 1915-Carranza takes over and becomes Mexico’s president. Wilson recognizes Carranza as Mexico’s president.

Villa

• Villa believed that Wilson should have recognized him as president.

• The U.S. did not back up Villa and he was sold bad ammo by the U.S., which caused his men to lose a battle.

• In retaliation Villa sacked the town of Columbus, New Mexico.

• The U.S. sent General Pershing and 15 thousand soldiers to catch Villa. They tested new military equipment and never found him.

• Legend has it that Villa walked up to Pershing, and was not recognized.