Torrijos–Carter Treaties facts for kids
The Torrijos–Carter Treaties (Spanish: Tratados Torrijos-Carter) are two important agreements signed by the United States and Panama. They were signed in Washington, D.C., on September 7, 1977. These treaties made sure that Panama would take full control of the Panama Canal after the year 1999. Before this, the U.S. had managed the canal since 1903.
The treaties are named after the two main people who signed them: Jimmy Carter, who was the U.S. President, and General Omar Torrijos, who led Panama's National Guard.
Contents
What Are the Torrijos–Carter Treaties?
The Torrijos–Carter Treaties are actually two separate agreements. The first is called the Panama Canal Treaty. It said that the U.S. would give control of the Panama Canal to Panama. The second is the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal. This treaty stated that the canal would always be neutral. This means it would be open to ships of all nations, even during times of war.
Why Were These Treaties Needed?
For many years, Panama wanted to have full control over the Panama Canal. The U.S. had built the canal and managed it for a long time. However, many Panamanians felt it was unfair for another country to control such an important part of their land. The treaties were a way to solve this long-standing disagreement.
The History of the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is a very important waterway. It connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. This allows ships to travel between the two oceans without going all the way around South America. The U.S. started building the canal in 1904 and finished it in 1914. It was a huge engineering project. The U.S. had control over a special area around the canal called the Canal Zone.
Who Signed the Treaties?
The treaties were signed by U.S. President Jimmy Carter and General Omar Torrijos. General Torrijos was the leader of Panama at the time. Both leaders believed it was important to create a fair agreement for the future of the canal.
President Jimmy Carter's Role
President Carter believed that giving the canal back to Panama was the right thing to do. He thought it would improve relations between the U.S. and Latin American countries. He worked hard to get the treaties approved in the U.S.
General Omar Torrijos's Role
General Torrijos was a strong voice for Panama's independence. He pushed for Panama to regain control of the canal. He saw the treaties as a way to make Panama truly sovereign over its own territory.
What Happened After the Treaties?
The treaties were approved by both the U.S. and Panama. On December 31, 1999, Panama officially took full control of the Panama Canal. This was a big moment for Panama. It showed that the country had full control over its most important resource.
The Canal Today
Today, the Panama Canal is still a vital waterway for global trade. Panama manages the canal very well. It continues to be a safe and efficient route for ships from all over the world. The treaties helped ensure the canal's future as a neutral passage for everyone.
Images for kids
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Ceremonial Transfer of Canal Zone at Miraflores Locks
See also
In Spanish: Tratados Torrijos-Carter para niños
