The U.S. acquired the rights to build and operate the canal in the early 20th century, but at the time, Panama was in the process of seceding from Colombia, whose senate was refusing to ratify a treaty that would allow the canal to be built, according to the State Department's Office of the Historian .

Rising tensions over Panama Canal control could impact U.S. consumer prices and global trade routes. Learn how drought conditions and political disputes are creating unprecedented challenges for this crucial waterway that handles 40% of U.