Final Answer:
The manner in which the United States acquired land for the Panama Canal Zone typifies a U.S. foreign policy, Manifest Destiny, which asserts that whatever is good for the United States is justifiable in expanding its influence and interests.
A. Manifest Destiny
Step-by-step explanation:
The acquisition of land for the Panama Canal Zone typifies a U.S. foreign policy rooted in Manifest Destiny. This policy reflects the belief that whatever is good for the United States is justifiable, often leading to expansionist and imperialistic actions.
Manifest Destiny was a 19th-century belief that the United States was destined to expand across the continent, and this idea influenced various aspects of American foreign policy. In the case of the Panama Canal, the U.S. sought to secure its economic and strategic interests in the region, justifying its actions as essential for national progress and prosperity.
During the early 20th century, the construction of the Panama Canal was a significant undertaking for the United States. The U.S. initially sought to negotiate with Colombia, which then controlled the territory, but when an agreement couldn't be reached, the U.S. supported a Panamanian independence movement. This eventually led to the establishment of the independent Republic of Panama, and the U.S. swiftly negotiated the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty, securing the rights to build and control the canal.
The U.S. foreign policy of Manifest Destiny, evident in the acquisition of the Panama Canal Zone, reflects a pragmatic approach where national interests and perceived benefits take precedence. This episode in history highlights how the U.S. was willing to assert its power to secure crucial infrastructure, shaping the geopolitical landscape and setting a precedent for future foreign policy decisions based on perceived national interests.