Hay-Paunceforte Treaty

The Hay-Pauncefote Treaty of 1901 was an agreement between the United States and Britain that allowed the U.S. to build and control a canal across Central America, specifically the future Panama Canal. Prior to this, Britain and the U.S. were both interested in controlling such a canal, which would be crucial for maritime trade. The treaty effectively canceled British rights to build or control a canal in Central America, granting the U.S. free hand to construct and operate the canal independently, promoting American leadership in regional maritime infrastructure.