Final answer:
The United States had to negotiate with Colombia, support Panama's revolution for independence, and secure control of the canal zone through a treaty in order to physically control the Panama Canal.
Step-by-step explanation:
The United States had to overcome several political issues before physically controlling the Panama Canal. One of the main issues was negotiating with Colombia, as politicians in Colombia demanded a payment of $25 million before construction could begin. To overcome this, President Roosevelt made a secret deal with Panama, offering military aid and supporting their revolution for independence from Colombia. The United States also faced opposition from the Colombian senate, which initially rejected a treaty that would grant the U.S. control of the canal zone in Panama. However, after Panama successfully gained independence, the U.S. negotiated the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty, securing control of the canal zone.