Hay–Pauncefote Treaty facts for kids
The Hay–Pauncefote Treaty was an important agreement between the United States and Great Britain. It was signed on November 18, 1901. This treaty was a key step before the U.S. could build the famous Panama Canal.
The treaty changed an older agreement called the Clayton–Bulwer Treaty from 1850. The older treaty said that neither country could build a canal in Central America by itself. The Hay–Pauncefote Treaty changed this. It gave the United States the right to build and control a canal connecting the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. This canal would cross the narrow strip of land in Central America.
Why the Treaty Was Needed
For many years, people in the United States were unhappy with the old Clayton–Bulwer Treaty. They felt it stopped their country from acting independently. They wanted to build a canal across Central America on their own.
At the same time, Great Britain saw that its power in the region was changing. They decided it was a good idea to work with the United States. This was partly to balance the growing influence of Germany in Central and South America.
So, new talks began between the two countries. Great Britain gave its diplomat, Lord Pauncefote, clear instructions. He was told to agree to things as long as the canal remained neutral and open to everyone.
How the Treaty Was Agreed Upon
U.S. President William McKinley sent an early version of the treaty to the United States Senate on February 5, 1900. This draft said a few things:
- The United States could build the canal or direct its construction.
- The canal would always be neutral, like the Suez Canal. It would be open to all ships, in peace or war, without unfair treatment.
- No forts could be built near the canal.
- Other countries would be asked to help guarantee this neutrality.
However, these ideas caused a lot of disagreement in the U.S. Senate. Senator Henry G. Davis suggested some changes. The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs agreed with his changes.
The changes said that the U.S. could take any steps needed for its own defense. It also said the old Clayton–Bulwer Treaty was officially ended. And it removed the idea of inviting other countries to join the agreement.
The Senate approved this changed treaty on December 20, 1900. But Great Britain did not accept the changes. So, this version of the treaty ended on March 5, 1901.
The Final Agreement
The two main diplomats, United States Secretary of State John Hay and British Ambassador to the United States Lord Pauncefote, worked together again. They found a way to compromise. They signed the final treaty on November 18, 1901.
President Theodore Roosevelt then sent it to the Senate. The Senate approved it on December 16.
In its final form, the Hay–Pauncefote Treaty:
- Officially ended the Clayton–Bulwer Treaty.
- Did not stop the United States from building forts near the canal.
- Did not require the canal to be open during wartime.
The treaty gave the United States the right to build and manage the canal. It also stated that all nations would be allowed to use the canal. And it said that the canal should never be taken by force.
See also
In Spanish: Tratado Hay-Pauncefote para niños
