In 1903, there was a treaty signed by Colombia and the United States in which Colombia granted The US the right to use the Isthmus of Panama, and the US government agreed to provide financial compensation to Colombia. Unfortunately, the Senate for the Colombian Republic backed out of the deal citing that it could interfere the country´s sovereignty.
The Panama Canal Company, a partnership between the US and France wanted to link the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean by constructing a waterway in the area of the Isthmus.
On November 3rd, 1903 after the refusal by the Colombians to honor the agreement to allow the US to use the Isthmus, the President of the United States Theodore Roosevelt, quickly approved and organized Panamanian Nationalists to start a rebellion.
To aid in the rebellion the US Warship Nashville was sent to Panama with the mission to discourage Colombian forces to continue to fight for the Isthmus. 3 days later, The Republic of Panama was recognized by the US, and they were granted by the newly formed Republic complete and permanent possession of the Panama Canal Zone.
