How did Roosevelt help Panama gain independence?

Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, played a crucial role in Panama gaining its independence from Colombia. The events took place in the early 20th century, during a time when the United States was interested in building a canal across the Isthmus of Panama to shorten the maritime route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The following are the key steps that led to Panama's independence with Roosevelt's assistance:

1. Negotiations with Colombia: Initially, Roosevelt attempted to negotiate with Colombia, which at the time controlled Panama, to obtain the rights to build a canal. The United States and Colombia signed the Hay-Herrán Treaty in 1903, which would have granted the U.S. a long-term lease on a strip of land across Panama.

2. Rejection of the Treaty: The Colombian Senate, however, rejected the treaty, feeling that the terms were not favorable enough for Colombia.

3. Support for Panamanian Separatists: Recognizing the strategic importance of the canal, and frustrated with Colombia's refusal to approve the treaty, Roosevelt decided to support a separatist movement in Panama. The U.S. provided implicit support and encouragement to Panamanian rebels by suggesting that if they revolted, the U.S. would support their independence movement.

4. Panama Declares Independence: On November 3, 1903, with implicit support promised by Roosevelt's administration, Panamanian rebels proclaimed the independence of Panama.

5. U.S. Intervenes: When the Colombian government attempted to quell the rebellion, Roosevelt ordered U.S. naval ships to the area. Their presence prevented Colombian troops from reaching Panama to suppress the uprising, effectively guaranteeing Panama's bid for independence.

6. Recognizing Panama's Sovereignty: Roosevelt quickly recognized Panama's independence, and within days, the United States and the new Republic of Panama signed the Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty, which granted the U.S. the right to build and indefinitely control the Panama Canal.

Thus, Roosevelt's intervention was pivotal in Panama gaining independence, primarily because it served the U.S. strategic interests in constructing the Panama Canal.