This picture below was taken at the ceremonial signing of the Torrijos–Carter Treaties in 1977. This was the end result of 20 years of turmoil in Panama. As World War Two ended, and the world could go back to focusing on domestic issues, Panama realized that they were not receiving as much from the 1903 treaty as they anticipated. There was not as much profit outside of the Canal Zone and the economy did not have a trickle affect. With the current contract allowing the U.S. to own the canal in perpetuity, Panama realized that they would never see the economic benefits that were anticipated. As a result, there were mass protests at the Canal Zone throughout the 1960’s. These protests were mainly organized by students and were mainly peaceful however a few led to casualties as seen in the 1964 riots. All of this conflict paved the way for this amended treaty.
This picture relates to the project as it illustrates one of the major pieces of legislation between the United States and Panama. It signified the end to U.S. presence in Panama and mended relations between the two countries for the moment. It also gave promised Panama full autonomy of their country and full economic profits. This meeting also showed one example of the end of U.S. control in South and Central America. By ceding the military outpost in the canal zone, the U.S. was taking a step in exiting South America. The Panama Canal brought the U.S. into South America, and now it was going to help it with its exit.
Primary Source:
Full Document:
Jimmy Carter, “Signing of the Treaty“, Office of the Historian 1977