Panama’s History is very rich and vibrant. Panama’s history dates back to the year 1501 when the Spanish government took over the land of Panama. It was one of the Spanish colonies that were one of the major hubs of trading and commerce.
It was part of the New Granada for more than 80 years and received independence in the year 1821. It then came under the jurisdiction of Gran Colombia and was one of the major trading routes between the Atlantic and the Pacific islands.
Historical Facts of Panama
The Panama isthmus was first explored by a European named Rodrigo de Bastidas in the year 1501. After a year, Christopher Columbus settled down temporarily in the land of Panama. From the time Vasco Nunez de Balboa discovered that Panama was the actual link between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean islands the trading routes opened up for the Spanish colonists.
History of the Panama Canal
Ancient Panama separated itself from Gran Colombia and made an alliance with the United States of America. The alliance was to come under the rule of the U.S.A. only if they constructed a canal for Panama. Till 1936 U.S.A. had the right to interfere in matters of political and national importance.
Soon after, Panama stepped out of the pact and a new treaty came into existence in the year 1977. This canal was completely under the jurisdiction of the government of Panama. Political strifes and struggles went on for a long time in the history of Panama and in the year 2000 Panama was completely free from foreign intervention.