History+of+Panama

History of Panama // Panama's history has been greatly influenced by the invasion of great military powers. The Cuevas and the Coclé tribes are the earliest people to live in Panama, but they were almost wiped out by disease and fighting in the 1500s as a result of the Spanish invaders. //
 * Geography || History || Culture || Political System || Economic Structure || Activities ||

  Rodrigo de Bastidas is the first known European to explore Panama and sailed to Panama in search of gold in 1501. By 1513, the explorer Vasco Nunez de Balboa had shown that Panama's isthmus could actually serve as path between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This discovery made Panama critical to Spain's economic presence in the New World. Panama remained under Spanish control for about 300 years, from 1538 to 1821.



 When Panama declared independence from Spain in 1821, Panama was incorporated into Colombia. It was not until 1903 that Panama gained independence from Colombia with the support of the United States. In 1903 the United States bought in an area of land in Panama on which they built a canal. The canal was finished in 1914 and was 83-kilometers (52 miles) in length. This canal is considered one of the world's greatest feats of engineering.

Panama is also known for its political history. From 1903 until 1968, Panama was a  was a democracy. Yet during the 1950s, the Panamanian military began to challenge the government's power. In October 1968, Dr. Arnulfo Arias Madrid, the president of Panama at the time, was kicked out of office by the National Guard after only 10 days in office. A government run by the military was established in his place. Brigadier General Omar Torrijos became the most powerful person in Panamanian political life. Torrijos' regime was harsh and corrupt, but his charisma, and anti-U.S. foreign policy appealed to the rural and urban citizens who felt ignored by the previous government.

Even after Torrijos died in 1981, the military in Panama continued to control Panamanian political life. Panama has continued to struggle with the presence of military dictators in its government. Nevertheless the country has continued to make progress towards returning to a democracy over the past few decades.

Most recently, in May 2009, Panama held its general elections and selected Ricardo Martinelli as president. President Martinelli took over the presidency on July 1 and has promised to promote free trade, establish a metro system in Panama City, reform the health care system, and complete the expansion plan for the Panama Canal. President Martinelli has also said we wants to transform Panama into a “safer, modern and supportive” nation focused on providing better living conditions for its people.