what is the isthmus of panama?
Panama Canal Zone
contradiction
 In 1899 , the Isthmian Canal Commission was set up to determine which site would be best for the canal ( Nicaragua or Panama ) and then to oversee construction of the canal . After Nicaragua was ruled out , Panama was the obvious choice . A few problems had arisen , however . With the U.S. ' solidified interests in Panama ( then a small portion of Colombia ) , both Colombia and the French company that was to provide the construction materials raised their prices . The U.S. , refusing to pay the higher @-@ than @-@ expected fees , " engineered a revolution " in Colombia . On November 3 , 1903 , Panama ( with the support of the United States Navy ) revolted against Colombia . Panama became a new republic , receiving $ 10 million from the U.S. alone . Panama also gained an annual payment of $ 250 @,@ 000 , and guarantees of independence . The U.S. gained the rights to the canal strip " in perpetuity " . Roosevelt later said that he " took the Canal , and let Congress debate " . After Colombia lost Panama , they tried to appeal to the U.S. by the reconsidering of treaties and even naming Panama City the capital of Colombia . 

contradiction
 The US entered into negotiations with Colombia for rights to build a canal ; a treaty was signed but was rejected by the Colombian Senate . In November 1903 , Panama , with the support of the United States , broke away from Colombia , and Bunau @-@ Varilla , the representative of the new government in Washington , signed a treaty granting the US a zone in which to build a canal . The United States Senate was called upon to ratify the treaty in February 1904 ; the debate began as Hanna lay dying . The treaty was ratified on February 23 , 1904 , eight days after Hanna 's death . 

contradiction
 In Mexico , topographical officer George W. Hughes reported to Secretary of State John M. Clayton that a railroad across the isthmus was a “ feasible and practical ” idea . Clayton then instructed Robert P. Letcher , the minister to Mexico , to negotiate a treaty to protect Hargous ' rights . The United States ' proposal gave Mexicans a 20 % discount on shipping , guaranteed Mexican rights in the zone , allowed the United States to send in military if necessary , and gave the United States most @-@ favored @-@ nation status for Mexican cargo fees . This treaty , however , was never finalized . 

entailment
 Through the 1903 Panamanian Revolution and the Hay @-@ Bunau @-@ Varilla Treaty , the United States had secured rights to build a canal in the Isthmus of Panama . Legislation authorizing construction did not specify which government department would be responsible , and Roosevelt designated the Department of War . Taft journeyed to Panama in 1904 , viewing the canal site and meeting with Panamanian officials . The Isthmian Canal Commission had trouble keeping a chief engineer , and when in February 1907 John D. Stevens submitted his resignation , Taft recommended an army engineer , George W. Goethals . Under Goethals , the project moved ahead smoothly . 

contradiction
 Treaties among Panama , Colombia , and the United States to resolve disputes arising from the Panamanian Revolution of 1903 had been signed by the lame @-@ duck Roosevelt administration in early 1909 , and were approved by the Senate and also ratified by Panama . Colombia , however , declined to ratify the treaties , and after the 1912 elections , Knox offered $ 10 million to the Colombians ( later raised to $ 25 million ) . The Colombians felt the amount inadequate , and requested arbitration ; the matter was not settled under the Taft administration . 
