How did the Cold War affect the political situation of developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America? Was it a positive or negative influence?

On January 9, 1964, a riot erupted in the Panama Canal Zone, a U.S.-controlled territory in the

heart of Panama. The trouble began when Panamanian students tried to raise Panama's

national flag at an American high school. American residents objected and fighting broke out.

The riots continued over the next three days as thousands of Panamanians joined in. More than

20 people died in the unrest.

The riots in the Canal Zone reflected longstanding resentment of the U.S. presence in Panama.

The United States had controlled the Canal Zone since 1903. A treaty signed that year gave the

United States rights to the Panama Canal and the land around it “in perpetuity” (forever). Since

then, the United States had viewed the canal as essential to international trade and American

security.

President Lyndon Johnson blamed the riots on communist Cuba. He claimed that Cuba was

“sending guns, money, and agents into Panama” to encourage revolution. For the people of

Panama and the rest of Latin America, however, the riots were an expression of nationalism.

They saw the Canal Zone as a symbol of American imperialism.

The riots did have one positive effect, though. The United States began negotiations to hand the

canal over to Panama. It took many years, but in 1977 the United States and Panama finally

signed the Panama Canal Treaties. On December 31, 1999, Panama gained full control over the

canal.

The story of the Panama Canal riots is one example of the legacy of imperialism, which took on

new life during the Cold War. In this lesson, you will learn more about that legacy and how it

affected nations and people around the world.

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