Panama's declaration of independence from Colombia came amid a backdrop of geopolitical maneuvering and local discontent. The region had long been a focus for U.S. interests due to its strategic location for maritime trade routes. In the late 19th century, various attempts were made to control the traversing of ships through the Isthmus of Panama, making the construction of a canal vital for international navigation. Diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. and Colombia for the construction of a canal did not yield the desired results, as Colombia's government under President José Manuel Marroquín was reluctant to concede its influence over the territory. On November 3, 1903, with tacit support from U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, armed forces were dispatched to prevent Colombian troops from quelling the uprising. The U.S. provided naval protection to the revolutionary leaders and facilitated the creation of a new government in Panama. As a result, Panama quickly established itself as an independent republic, allowing the U.S. to successfully negotiate the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty, which granted the United States control over the Panama Canal Zone. This maneuver not only reflected the power dynamics of imperialism but also solidified U.S. influence in Central America, setting the stage for future interventions in the region.