The phrase “Too far from God, too close to America” resonates deeply in the socio-political landscape of Central America, encapsulating a historical sentiment that is prevalent among nations neighboring the United StatesAt the heart of this narrative lies the Panama Canal, a significant passage that has shaped not only Panama's trajectory but also the American interventionist paradigm in the region.
For many in the United States, the Panama Canal stands as a testament to American ingenuity and modernity in the 20th centuryPoliticians and scholars alike have heralded it as a triumphant example of how America, with its political, economic, and technical prowess, transformed a dark and dangerous jungle into a corridor of progressHowever, the perspective offered by historians, like Marisa Lasso from Colombia National University, unveils undercurrents of strife that contradict the mainstream narrative of success
Lasso's book, “The Erased History: Untold Stories of the Panama Canal,” urges readers to confront the suppressed realities of forced migrations, altered landscapes, and the deep scars left on Panamanian societyShe believes that the history concerning the Canal has been overshadowed by a "success narrative" that fails to recognize the human costs involved.
Historically, Panama was a vibrant space inhabited by indigenous populations until colonization began in 1501, marking the start of its subjugation under Spanish ruleAfter gaining independence as part of Greater Colombia in 1821, Panama’s autonomy was fleetingThe American involvement in Panama reached its zenith in 1903 when, with political maneuvering, the U.Sfacilitated Panama's separation from Colombia, laying the groundwork for the construction of the canalThe treaty that followed brought with it a series of concessions that granted the U.S
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control over the canal and surrounding areas in exchange for a one-off payment and subsequent annual feesThe implications of this were profound, as the Canal Zone became a quasi-colonial territory, establishing an American enclave within Panama.
Lasso notes that this division fundamentally altered the geography and social fabric of the nationWhat was once a contiguous national territory transformed into a militarized zone, signifying both U.Spower and the subjugation of the Panamanian peopleFor local residents, the Canal Zone epitomized an unattainable dreamWhile children viewed it as a land of exotic beauty, adults recognized it as a space of exclusion marked by opulent amenities barred to Panamanians unless invited by residentsFor instance, swimming pools, tennis courts, cinemas, and restaurants thrived within the Zone, remaining inaccessible to the majority of the local population
Moreover, a barbed-wire fence contrasted sharply with the idyllic imagery presented to tourists, protecting the privileged to swim without fear of shark attacks.
During its operational peak, the Canal Zone was home to over 60,000 residentsYet, the construction of the canal led to the deliberate dismantling of several towns between 1913 and 1916, displacing around 40,000 individualsThese forced migrations were less about logistical needs and more about political dominion, illustrating the U.Sdesire to showcase its capability in a region where European powers had previously falteredThe narrative portrayed by the Americans depicted an archetype of colonial progress—modernizing what they viewed as a primitive land—contrasting their projects with the failures of France earlier in the centuryThe motivations to create a ‘model’ community were couched in a determination to display control over one of nature’s most formidable obstacles.
Lasso exposes the blatant disregard for historical context during this era
The region that the Americans deemed a ‘jungle’ had, by the 19th century, developed intricate systems of trade, a burgeoning railroad network, and densely populated townsHowever, these layers of complexity were conveniently omitted by those crafting the narrativeThe prevailing portrayal of indigenous populations as primitive was ingrained with colonial disdain, wherein travel guides presented a simplistic image of the natives, omitting their long histories of trade and social organizationThis obsession with technological determinism highlighted the dissonance between Western ideologies and the authentic lived experiences of the people within Panama.
Histories constructed through the lens of “Western civilization” have perpetuated stereotypes and skewed perspectives that resonate even todayThe tropics were often depicted as places untouched by progress, a canvas upon which Western powers painted their utopian visions
Yet, such portrayals glossed over the reality that by the late 1800s, technological advancements were already transforming the lives of panamaniansAccording to Lasso, the narrative of history shaped by Western civilization philosophy further entrenched divisions, suggesting a linear progression of development that favored European and American societies while relegating other civilizations to the status of passive participants in history.
This marginalization manifested in the writing of history which conveniently erased the prominent role played by Panamanians in the canal’s early desegregationFor four centuries, local mule drivers, boatmen, and other laborers had played crucial roles in the operational landscape, but with the construction of the canal, their contributions faded into obscurityThe narrative constructed omits their management and adaptations over several centuries
The denigration of this contingent stands in stark contrast to the image of American triumphalism that dominated historical discourse following the canal's inauguration.
Despite the attempts to erase this complex history, the Panamanian people emerged resolutely determined to reclaim their narrativeThe struggle for sovereignty intensified, leading to pivotal negotiations in the latter half of the 20th centuryIn 1977, the U.Sand Panama signed new treaties to phase out American control of the canalBy December 31, 1999, control was fully returned to Panama, culminating a long struggle akin to a phoenix rising from the ashes.
The various generations of Panamanians had boldly fought for their rights, seeking to regain not just the physical territory of the canal but also the dignity and respect of their national identityThe canal's management now stands as a crucial point of pride, a territory no longer under the shadow of foreign dominance but a testament to the resilience and determination of the Panamanian people