What was the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty?

The Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty was indeed an agreement that granted the United States control over the Panama Canal Zone. This treaty, signed in November 1903, was pivotal in establishing U.S. dominance in the region and facilitating the construction and subsequent management of the Panama Canal. The U.S. support for Panamanian independence from Colombia directly enabled this treaty, as the new Panamanian government was amenable to signing the treaty that granted the U.S. significant territorial control and rights.

The significance of this treaty lies in its impact on U.S. foreign policy and imperialism during the early 20th century, as it showcased the U.S. strategy of acquiring strategic assets through both diplomacy and military presence. The management of the canal, completed in 1914, was crucial for international trade and military mobility, further establishing the U.S. as a global power.

Other options, although relevant to U.S. history, do not pertain to the specifics of the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty. The treaty specifically addressed Panama's relationship with the United States and did not relate to the resolution of the Spanish-American War, trade agreements with France, or military alliances with Colombia. Therefore, the first option is the only