Panama Canal Construction

The Congress of Colobmia rejected the Hay-Herrán treaty (would have given the US rights to build the canal). The Colombia government wanted more money, were suspicious of US motives, didn't want to give away sovereignty of their territory, and it was unpopular with the citizens. As a result the US carved separated Panama from Colobmia and stope the Colobmian army with gun boats. Philippe Bunau-Varilla (French engineer behind the canal) signed the treaty as the ambassador of Panama. Panama was a protectorate until 1939.