1. Knowledge Connections
Vocabulary 
Isthmus
Term
Definition
Knowledge Connections
Picture

2. Essential Question
How was the United States' involvement in Panama an example of imperialism?

3. What problem remained? One problem still remained for the US…
It took too long for ships traveling from the East Cost to reach the West Coast
President THEODORE ROOSEVELT took this issue very seriously
If the US wanted to:
Defend its Pacific territories more easily
Have merchants reach Asia more quickly
Then something had to be done!

4. Build a canal across the ISTHMUS of Panama
What was the solution?
The Solution:
Build a canal across the ISTHMUS of Panama
A narrow strip of land
There was still a problem, Panama was part of the nation of Colombia
Colombia did not want to give up this land

5. How was access gained to Panama?
1903
The United States helps Panama win its independence
In return, Panama agrees to the building of the PANAMA CANAL

6. Construction of the PANAMA CANAL began in 1904
When did the canal open?
Construction of the PANAMA CANAL began in 1904
The canal opened in 1914

7. Essential Question
How was the United States' involvement in Panama an example of imperialism?

8. The US builds a canal through the Isthmus of Panama