The Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty of 1903 is significant because it ________.
The Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty of 1903 is significant because it paved the way for the Panama Canal project. In 1902, Colombia rejected the U.S. bid to build a canal through Panama. The United States, with the collaboration of Phillipe Bunau-Varilla, an official in the French company that had previously attempted to build a canal, then organised a revolution in Panama against Colombia. The United States immediately recognised the newly independent nation of Panama. Secretary of State John Hay quickly signed a treaty with Bunau-Varilla allowing the United States to build the canal. The other options are incorrect because:
a. The Treaty of Paris of 1898 ended the Spanish-American War
c. The 1900 Foraker Act established commonwealth status for Puerto Rico.
d. The 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo secured the Mexican Cession for the United States.
e. There was no treaty with Guatemala involving banana growing.