U.S.–Panama Treaties and the Transfer of Canal Sovereignty (1903–1999)

1. Hay–Herrán Treaty signed but fails ratification

   Jan 22, 1903Labels: Hay Herr, United States, Colombia

   • Hay Herr n
   • Britannica

2. Panama declares independence from Colombia

   Nov 3, 1903Labels: Panama, Independence, Colombia

   • Britannica

3. Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty creates the Canal Zone

   Nov 18, 1903Labels: Hay Bunau-Varilla, Canal Zone, Panama

   • Britannica
   • State Dept

4. U.S. Senate ratifies the 1903 canal treaty

   Feb 23, 1904Labels: U S, Hay Bunau-Varilla, United States

   • Canal Zone
   • Britannica

5. Hull–Alfaro Treaty revises U.S.–Panama relationship

   Mar 2, 1936Labels: Hull Alfaro, Panama, United States

   • CZBrats
   • State Dept

6. Panama’s assembly rejects proposed U.S. base extension

   Dec 22, 1947Labels: Fil s, Panama National, Panama

   • Fil s Hines

7. Remón–Eisenhower treaty boosts Panama’s canal benefits

   Jan 23, 1955Labels: Rem n, Panama, United States

   • Iberoamericana
   • CZBrats

8. Flag incident sparks Canal Zone riots

   Jan 9, 1964Labels: Flag Incident, Canal Zone, Panama

   • NARA
   • Britannica

9. Panama breaks diplomatic relations with the U.S.

   Jan 10, 1964Labels: Panama, Diplomatic break, United States

   • NARA
   • Martyrs Day

10. U.S. announces intent to negotiate a new treaty

    Dec 18, 1964Labels: Lyndon B, United States, Negotiations

    • NARA

11. Torrijos–Carter Treaties signed in Washington

    Sep 7, 1977Labels: Torrijos Carter, Panama, United States

    • Britannica
    • OAS

12. U.S. Senate ratifies Panama Canal Treaty

    Apr 18, 1978Labels: U S, Panama Canal, United States

    • Britannica
    • GAO

13. Panama Canal Act establishes U.S. transition agencies

    Sep 27, 1979Labels: Panama Canal, United States

    • FRUS
    • GAO

14. Treaties enter into force; Canal Zone abolished

    Oct 1, 1979Labels: Torrijos Carter, Canal Zone, Panama

    • Canal Zone
    • Torrijos Carter

15. U.S. invades Panama amid Noriega crisis

    Dec 20, 1989Labels: Operation Just, Manuel Noriega, United States

    • Britannica
    • Army

16. Panama creates legal framework for canal authority

    Jun 11, 1997Labels: Panama Canal, Panama, Organic law

    • ACP

17. Canal formally transferred to Panama; ACP takes control

    Dec 31, 1999Labels: Panama Canal, Panama, Sovereignty transfer

    • Britannica
    • Britannica
    • ACP