This image shows Panamanian students protesting in the Canal Zone on January 9th, 1964. During this protest, twenty-two students and 4 U.S. Marines were killed. This led to the day being known as Martyrs Day which is a day of remembrance in Panama. The sign that the student featured is holding reads “go home Fleming.” This was in reference to Major General Robert Fleming who was the canal governor at the time. It shows us that this protest was aimed against U.S. presence in the Canal Zone and in Panama as a whole. This was one of the largest and influential protests that occurred in Panama and led to much discussion within the United States government.
This image relates to the project because it shows how the Panamanian people were feeling at this time. It is clear that they no longer see the 1903 treaty as beneficial and instead see the U.S. as intruders. Panama realizes the benefits and power of the canal and want to control it themselves. This canal is creating conflict between the U.S. and Panama and their foreign relations.
Primary Source:
Full Document:
Department of State, “1964 Panamanian Protests“, National Archives 1964