HISTORY OF PANAMA

The rich history of Panama is closely associated with imperialism and colonialisms of great world powers. The Coclé and Cuevas are believed to be the original inhabitants of Panama isthmus. These natives were completely uprooted by the deadly disease that affected the area and also by the armed conflicts by the Spanish invaders during the conflict of the 16^th century. After several raids, the Spanish were able to setup a colony in the Caribbean coast at Nombre de Dios in 1510. The Spanish used the pacific coast to launch invasions on Peru. They then transported their booties to the Caribbean coast via Panama isthmus and loaded them on ships set for Spain. This practice continued until they were interrupted by deadly pirates on the Caribbean Sea. Later, they started to sail directly from Peru using Cape Horn.

During this period, Panama lost its strategic importance and became a part of Columbia that gained independence in 1821. In 1846, Colombia allowed the United States to build a railway corridor over the Panama isthmus; building a canal across the Panama isthmus had been a dream since the 16^th century. A French attempt in 1880 to build a canal resulted in disaster with the death of 22,000 workers due to yellow fever and a very substantial monetary loss. However, the new Panama government, that took charge in 1903 with the US backing, granted rights to the U.S. to build a canal. Panama Canal work started in 1904 and 10 years later it became one of the engineering wonders of the world; the ships started sailing on the canal.

Panama finally gained control over the Panama Canal from the US in 1999 as per the treaty it signed with the USA.

General Manuel Noriega came to power in 1984. He was accused of repressing his political opponents in a brutal manner There were charges of drug trafficking and money laundering against him. The U.S. ousted Noriega by sending 26,000 troops in an operation coded as ‘Operation Just Cause’. General Noriega was captured and sentenced to 40 years imprisonment by the U.S. court. In 1999, Mireya Moscoso became the first President of Panama and ruled until she was defeated by Martin Torrijos 2004.

Thus, Panama is rich with the history of many rulers and has created an aura of significance in the historical world not only for its amazing beauty and splendor but for its notable worldwide associations in the past.

Related Links:
Panama Central America
Panama History