Post-1920 and WW2 Flashcards
How did the Canal Zone continue to grow?
Canal required lots of water, watershed for the river/lake had to be protected, CZ requisitioned the river/lake, taking more land from Panama. In 1921 John Pershing asked Panama for an island off its coast to protect the canal. Panamanians rioted in protest and US backed off. CZ almost another state, governor of CZ had more resources than Panamanian President.
How was Panama impacted by the completion of the canal?
Only canal workers and their families lived in CZ, sealed off to a great degree from Panama, CZ in the middle of the country, 10 mile stretch. Panama no longer had easy access to the railroad between Colon and Panama City - would have to get clearance to travel on it. Made it difficult to get between east and west Panama.
What political impacts did the canal have on Panama?
Panama not profiting, lot of anger and distrust towards Americans. Communal Action wanted Panamanian government to be more active and amend the 1903 treaty in order to get concessions. “Panama for the Panamanians”.
What happened to West Indians in Panama following the completion of the canal?
Construction labour fell from 70,000 to 25,000, went into Panamanian cities unemployed, cultural, racial and national differences, racial tension, strong xenophobia. 1940 new constitution in Panama didn’t allow naturalisation of West Indian ex-labourers and stripped their children who had been born in Panama of Panamanian citizenship. 1930s Panama said US had to pay for the repatriation of these ex-labourers.
What did Communal Action do in 1931?
Overthrew the President and installed one of their members as interim, elections held in 1932. Communal Action member won and went to Washington DC to campaign for Panamanian rights. FDR introduced the Good Neighbour Policy in 1933. Instructed the Secretary of State to work with Panama to make a new treaty about the operation of the canal.
What would the new treaty have entailed?
1) Panama allowed US to be “police” in Panama, 2) Panama would get equal access to jobs in the canal, wanted equal treatment, promised in separate agreement to fulfil this, 3) Devaluation of US economy, change in the use of the gold standard, 4) Increase number of Panamanian goods brought into CZ, 5) US promised not to ask for anymore lands.
Why was the new treaty not immediately legalised?
1935/6 - neither FDR nor the Panamanian President signed the treaty, sent treaty to US Senate for approval which sat on the treaty for 3 years until the breakout of WW2.
US decided to hold a security meeting between US and Latin American countries in CZ which influenced Senate to approve it as Panama hosted all the countries. Approved 1939.
Why did the US push for more territory in WW2? How did Panamanians respond?
Asked Panama for more land to protect the canal from Axis, difficult area to defend, wanted 50 anti-aircraft bases. New President extreme nationalist says no.
What were the plans to expand the canal during WW2 and how did Panama react?
1939 US started third set of locks on the canal, imported workers, supplies and equipment which violated the new treaty. 1942 clear that new locks won’t be finished in time to be useful to the war effort, project cancelled. Resurrected by Panama recently, estimated completion 2015/16.
What was outlined in the new constitution that was introduced in 1940?
Instituted Spanish-only policy (couldn’t use brand names, shops, advertisements in any other language), gave women vote, social security, had positive aspects but very nationalistic.
How did the US eventually secure new territory in Panama?
Vice President carried out a coup when the President left the country without permission. Agreed to US demands but also wanted concessions e.g. highway between Colon and Panama City outside CZ, bridge across canal that Panamanians had access to. However Panama Canal was never attacked, the airbase in Brazil prevented German attack.
