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Why did the United States encourage Panama’s declaration of independence from Colombia? The rebels promised to provide laborers to help the United States build the Panama Canal. Colombia threatened to attack US workers if they began work on a canal. Colombia had raised the price for the rights to build the Panama Canal. The rebels promised to allow freedom of religion in Panama.

User Beimenjun
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Answer:

Colombia had raised the price for the rights to build the Panama Canal.

Step-by-step explanation:

User Geeksal
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The correct answer is "The rebels promised to provide laborers to help the United States build the Panama Canal. "

The US was initially reluctant to make any efforts in constructing the canal after the French had failed in its attempt to do so. However, French engineer Philippe-Jean Bunau-Varilla managed to negotiate a deal with the US government in order for it to continue with the project. This deal included the support to the Panamanians independentist efforts.

Local diseases were a big issue during the construction of the canal, as workers and administrative personnel fell ill and died due to them. Panamanians offers locals as a labor force in exchange for US support in the rebellion and the deal was finalized.

After the war ended, the United States was granted a perpetual lease of the canal and its operations.

User Jakob Danielsson
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