The construction of the Panama channel came from a French construction team in the 1880s, but around 1896, the President and the Senate of the United States were interested in establishing a canal across Panama to South America, with some favoring a canal across Nicaragua and others advocating the purchase of the French interests in Panama. The French manager of the New Panama Canal Company, Phillipe Bunau-Varilla, who was seeking American involvement, asked for $100 million, but accepted $40 million in the face of the Nicaraguan option.
In June 1902, the U.S. Senate voted in favor of pursuing the Panamanian option, provided the necessary rights could be obtained, in the Spooner Act. On January 22, 1903, United States Secretary of State, John
In June 1902, the U.S. Senate voted in favor of pursuing the Panamanian option, provided the necessary rights could be obtained, in the Spooner Act. On January 22, 1903, United States Secretary of State, John