1. The French initially tried but failed to build the canal in the late 1800s.
2. The U.S. then negotiated the Hay-Pauncefote Treaty with Britain to gain rights over construction and administration of a canal.
3. Theodore Roosevelt pushed for U.S. control over the canal project. A second treaty gave the U.S. fortification rights.
4. When negotiations with Colombia failed, the U.S. supported Panamanian independence, allowing them to take over the project. Naval ships prevented Colombian interference, and construction of the canal began.