Encyclopedia/3. History, Societies & Civilizations/09. Modern Nations/02. Americas • Curated by Admin Timeline.sg
History of Panama (AI-generated, sourced to Wikipedia).
Chronological Storyline (30 Milestones)
11000 BCE
First indigenous settlement
Earliest evidence of human habitation in Panama dates to around 11,000 BCE, with hunter-gatherer societies occupying the isthmus during the late Pleistocene. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
The flag of Panama By Zscout370 et al. - Government of Panama. Based on File:Flag of Panama (construction sheet).svg which is in turn based off the description and diagram in Panama Official Gazette See also: [1], Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=433132
500 BCE
Indigenous cultures flourish
Various indigenous groups including the Cueva, Coiba, and Coclé peoples developed complex societies with advanced goldwork and pottery in central Panama. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
The flag of Panama By Zscout370 et al. - Government of Panama. Based on File:Flag of Panama (construction sheet).svg which is in turn based off the description and diagram in Panama Official Gazette See also: [1], Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=433132
Aug 1, 1501 CE
Spanish first sight Panama
Rodrigo de Bastidas became the first European to explore the Isthmus of Panama, sailing along the Caribbean coast and claiming the territory for Spain. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
Rodrigo de Bastidas By Unknown author - nicht angegeben, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11434226
Sep 25, 1513 CE
Balboa sights the Pacific
Vasco Núñez de Balboa crossed the isthmus and became the first European to reach the Pacific Ocean from the New World, naming it the South Sea. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
Copiado del grabado de la obra Retratos de Españoles ilustres, publicada en Madrid, en 1791. By Anonymous (Spain)Unknown author after a 18th-century engraving - Retrato de Vasco Nuñez de Balboa (1475-1517) - bibliotecavirtualdefensa.es, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=60731869
Aug 15, 1519 CE
Panama City founded
Pedro Arias Dávila founded Panama City, the first Spanish city on the Pacific coast of the Americas, establishing it as a key colonial hub. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
500px provided description: Panama-Stadt mit ca. 1,5 Millionen Einwohnern ist die Hauptstadt und der Regierungssitz des mittelamerikanischen Staates Panama. [#city ,#architecture ,#panama ,#aerial ,#photo ,#sight ,#travelling ,#holiday ,#skyscrapper ,#architektur ,#papers ,#pa ,#stadt ,#urlaub ,#reisen ,#sehensw?rdigkeit ,#luftbild ,#panamacity ,#panam? ,#aerialphotography ,#luftbildaufnahme ,#allgemein ,#panamapapers ,#panamastadt ,#panamap] By Dronepicr - Imported from 500px (archived version) by the Archive Team. (detail page), CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=73792773
Jan 28, 1671 CE
Morgan sacks Panama City
Welsh pirate Henry Morgan attacked and destroyed the original Panama City, burning it to the ground after a fierce battle with Spanish defenders. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
Welsh buccaneer Henry Morgan. By Alexandre Exquemelin, Piratas de la America (1681) - The New York Public Library, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=134611
Nov 28, 1821 CE
Independence from Spain
Panama declared independence from Spain and voluntarily joined Gran Colombia, the republic led by Simón Bolívar, ending three centuries of colonial rule. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
Actas de Independencia de Panamá de España By Unknown author - Las Actas de Independencia de Panamá de España, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21040505
1830 CE
Gran Colombia dissolves
Following the dissolution of Gran Colombia, Panama became a province of the Republic of New Granada, later Colombia, maintaining its strategic isthmus position. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
Flag of the Gran Colombia, used between December 17, 1819 and January 10, 1820, and in the Venezuela Department until July 12, 1821. By HansenBCN - Own workRepública de la Gran ColombiaGreat Colombia Federate Republic, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9809765
1846 CE
Mallarino-Bidlack Treaty
Colombia and the United States signed the Mallarino-Bidlack Treaty, granting the U.S. transit rights across the isthmus and establishing American influence in Panama. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
The flag of Panama By Zscout370 et al. - Government of Panama. Based on File:Flag of Panama (construction sheet).svg which is in turn based off the description and diagram in Panama Official Gazette See also: [1], Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=433132
1855 CE
Panama Railway completed
The first transcontinental railway was completed across the isthmus, dramatically reducing travel time between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the Americas. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
Logo of the Panama Canal Railway. By Unknown author - Here, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61632491
1880 CE
French canal attempt begins
Ferdinand de Lesseps, builder of the Suez Canal, began the French effort to construct a sea-level canal in Panama, which would ultimately fail by 1889. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
Map of the Panama Canal (English version) By Thoroe - Own work Map created using: Generic Mapping Tools (GMT) with SRTM3 V2 data OpenStreetMap data File:CanalZone.gif File:Panama Canal Rough Diagram-non annotated.png Proposal for the expansion of the Panama Canal Panama Canal Profile Map, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=142105511
1885 CE
Yellow fever epidemic
A devastating yellow fever and malaria epidemic struck canal workers, killing thousands and contributing to the collapse of the French canal project. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
Map of the Panama Canal (English version) By Thoroe - Own work Map created using: Generic Mapping Tools (GMT) with SRTM3 V2 data OpenStreetMap data File:CanalZone.gif File:Panama Canal Rough Diagram-non annotated.png Proposal for the expansion of the Panama Canal Panama Canal Profile Map, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=142105511
Nov 3, 1903 CE
Panama declares independence
With U.S. support, Panama declared independence from Colombia, enabling the new nation to negotiate a canal treaty directly with the United States. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
Political division of (Greater) Colombia in 1824. Map XI of the Geographic and Historic Atlas of the Republic of Colombia, 1890. By Agustín Codazzi, Manuel Maria Paz, Felipe Pérez - Atlas geográfico e histórico de la República de Colombia, 1890.http://www.lablaa.org/blaavirtual/revistas/credencial/junio1993/junio1.htm, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2147388
Nov 18, 1903 CE
Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty
Panama and the United States signed the Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty, granting the U.S. perpetual control over the Canal Zone in exchange for annual payments. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
1903 US cartoon. By unknown artist for New York Times - Originally imported on enwiki by en:User:Rjensen, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=799216
May 4, 1904 CE
U.S. canal construction begins
The United States took control of the Canal Zone and began construction of the Panama Canal, one of the largest engineering projects in history. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
Map of the Panama Canal (English version) By Thoroe - Own work Map created using: Generic Mapping Tools (GMT) with SRTM3 V2 data OpenStreetMap data File:CanalZone.gif File:Panama Canal Rough Diagram-non annotated.png Proposal for the expansion of the Panama Canal Panama Canal Profile Map, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=142105511
Aug 15, 1914 CE
Panama Canal opens
The Panama Canal officially opened to maritime traffic, revolutionizing global trade by connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through a 48-mile waterway. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
Map of the Panama Canal (English version) By Thoroe - Own work Map created using: Generic Mapping Tools (GMT) with SRTM3 V2 data OpenStreetMap data File:CanalZone.gif File:Panama Canal Rough Diagram-non annotated.png Proposal for the expansion of the Panama Canal Panama Canal Profile Map, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=142105511
Jan 9, 1964 CE
Martyrs' Day riots
Panamanian students entered the Canal Zone to raise their flag, sparking violent clashes with U.S. troops that killed over 20 Panamanians and strained relations. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
The flag of Panama By Zscout370 et al. - Government of Panama. Based on File:Flag of Panama (construction sheet).svg which is in turn based off the description and diagram in Panama Official Gazette See also: [1], Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=433132
Oct 11, 1968 CE
Military coup d'état
Major Boris Martínez and Lieutenant Colonel Omar Torrijos led a coup that overthrew President Arnulfo Arias, beginning two decades of military rule in Panama. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
The flag of Panama By Zscout370 et al. - Government of Panama. Based on File:Flag of Panama (construction sheet).svg which is in turn based off the description and diagram in Panama Official Gazette See also: [1], Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=433132
Sep 7, 1977 CE
Torrijos–Carter Treaties
Panama and the United States signed treaties agreeing to transfer full control of the Panama Canal to Panama by December 31, 1999, ending U.S. sovereignty over the Canal Zone. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
Jimmy Carter and General Omar Torrijos shake hands after signing the Panama Canal Treaty., 09/07/1977. Also in this picture Alejandro Orfila (right to Jimmy Carter). By White House photo - This tag does not indicate the copyright status of the attached work. A normal copyright tag is still required. See Commons:Licensing., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1236043
Jul 31, 1981 CE
Omar Torrijos dies
Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos died in a plane crash, creating a power vacuum that eventually led to the rise of Manuel Noriega as de facto ruler. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
Omar Torrijos, President of Panama, while signing the signing the Panama Canal Treaty. ARC Identifier: 179927 By President (1977-1981 : Carter). White House Staff Photographers. (01/20/1977 - 01/20/1981) - This tag does not indicate the copyright status of the attached work. A normal copyright tag is still required. See Commons:Licensing., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=528719
1983 CE
Noriega consolidates power
Manuel Noriega became commander of the Panamanian Defense Forces, consolidating de facto control over Panama while maintaining a facade of civilian government. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
Panamanian military leader Manuel Noriega in a 1990 mugshot taken after his capture by U.S. forces. By U.S. Marshals Service, Miami, Florida - Immediate source: The New Yorker article, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=172022488
Dec 20, 1989 CE
U.S. invasion of Panama
The United States launched Operation Just Cause, invading Panama to depose Manuel Noriega and install Guillermo Endara as president, resulting in hundreds of casualties. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
Operation Just Cause By File:Operation Just Cause.png: LLs derivative work: Georgfotoart - This file was derived from: Operation Just Cause.png:, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=194484946
Jan 3, 1990 CE
Noriega surrenders
Manuel Noriega surrendered to U.S. forces after taking refuge in the Vatican embassy, ending his regime and leading to his trial and imprisonment in the United States. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
Panamanian military leader Manuel Noriega in a 1990 mugshot taken after his capture by U.S. forces. By U.S. Marshals Service, Miami, Florida - Immediate source: The New Yorker article, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=172022488
May 8, 1994 CE
Endara presidency ends
Ernesto Pérez Balladares of the PRD won the presidential election, marking the first peaceful transfer of power between elected presidents in Panama's modern history. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
Mr. Ernesto Perez Balladares, President of the Republic of Panama, gives the closing remarks at the Fort Amador Transfer Ceremony. By Department of Defense. American Forces Information Service. Defense Visual Information Center. 1994- - This tag does not indicate the copyright status of the attached work. A normal copyright tag is still required. See Commons:Licensing., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=81287456
Dec 14, 1999 CE
Canal transferred to Panama
The United States officially transferred control of the Panama Canal to Panama, fulfilling the Torrijos–Carter Treaties and ending nearly a century of American presence. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
Map of the Panama Canal (English version) By Thoroe - Own work Map created using: Generic Mapping Tools (GMT) with SRTM3 V2 data OpenStreetMap data File:CanalZone.gif File:Panama Canal Rough Diagram-non annotated.png Proposal for the expansion of the Panama Canal Panama Canal Profile Map, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=142105511
2000 CE
Mireya Moscoso presidency
Mireya Moscoso, Panama's first female president, oversaw the historic canal transfer and worked to modernize the country's economy during her term from 1999 to 2004. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
Mireya Moscoso in 2012. By Embassy of United States in Panama - Flickr, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74835141
Oct 22, 2006 CE
Canal expansion approved
Panamanian voters approved a referendum to expand the Panama Canal with a third set of locks, the largest infrastructure project in the country's modern history. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
Barco cruzando las Esclusas de Agua Clara, Gatún, Canal de Panamá. A la derecha la Torre de Control de las esclusas. By Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz) - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=82643323
Jul 1, 2009 CE
Martinelli takes office
Businessman Ricardo Martinelli became president, implementing ambitious infrastructure programs while his administration later faced corruption allegations. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
DAVOS/SWITZERLAND, 24JAN13 - Ricardo Martinelli, President of Panama gestures during the session 'Accelerating Infrastructure Development' at the Annual Meeting 2013 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 24, 2013. . . Copyright by World Economic Forum. . swiss-image.ch/Photo Michael Wuertenberg By World Economic Forum from Cologny, Switzerland - Accelerating Infrastructure Development: Ricardo Martinelli, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24152982
Jun 26, 2016 CE
Expanded canal inaugurated
The expanded Panama Canal with its new third set of locks officially opened, allowing larger Neopanamax vessels to transit and doubling the waterway's capacity. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
Barco cruzando las Esclusas de Agua Clara, Gatún, Canal de Panamá. A la derecha la Torre de Control de las esclusas. By Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz) - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=82643323
Jun 7, 2017 CE
Panama Papers fallout
Following the 2016 Panama Papers leak, Panama took steps to improve financial transparency and was removed from the FATF gray list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions. Source — Wikipedia, "Panama":
These are the countries, where country leaders, politicians, public officials, or their close family/associates are implicated in the Panama Papers. Countries of people implicated Countries without people implicated (excludes businesspeople and celebrities) By JayCoop - https://panamapapers.icij.org/the_power_players/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_named_in_the_Panama_Papers, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=47960271
![500px provided description: Panama-Stadt mit ca. 1,5 Millionen Einwohnern ist die Hauptstadt und der Regierungssitz des mittelamerikanischen Staates Panama. [#city ,#architecture ,#panama ,#aerial ,#photo ,#sight ,#travelling ,#holiday ,#skyscrapper ,#architektur ,#papers ,#pa ,#stadt ,#urlaub ,#reisen ,#sehensw?rdigkeit ,#luftbild ,#panamacity ,#panam? ,#aerialphotography ,#luftbildaufnahme ,#allgemein ,#panamapapers ,#panamastadt ,#panamap]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/02/Panama_Papers_%28148830809%29.jpeg/500px-Panama_Papers_%28148830809%29.jpeg)
