The United States invasion of Panama in late 1989 was a significant event aimed at maintaining American influence in Latin America. Panama was particularly important to the U.S. because of the Panama Canal, a crucial waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, vital for both military and economic reasons.
American involvement with the Panama Canal dates back to 1902 when the U.S. took over its construction from the French. In 1903, the U.S. supported Panama’s independence from Colombia, securing control over the Panama Canal Zone in exchange for financial compensation. Since its opening in 1914, the canal has been a central point in U.S.-Panama relations. After World War II, control over the canal became a contentious issue, especially after the nationalization of the Suez Canal by Egypt in 1956. Tensions peaked in 1964 when American soldiers killed several Panamanians, leading to a temporary break in diplomatic relations. This was resolved in 1977 with the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, which promised Panama full control of the canal by December 31, 1999, while allowing U.S. vessels continued access.
Despite the treaties, the U.S. maintained its interests in Panama, particularly through Lieutenant Colonel Manuel Noriega, a long-time CIA informant. However, during the 1980s, Noriega’s involvement with drug cartels made him a liability, leading to a shift in U.S. support. After a failed coup attempt in 1988 and his indictment for drug-related crimes, tensions increased. In May 1989, Noriega annulled election results that favored the opposition, prompting U.S. pressure for him to accept the outcome, which he refused. On December 15, 1989, he declared a state of war between Panama and the U.S.
The situation escalated when Panamanian Defense Forces (PDF) harassed American soldiers, resulting in the death of a Marine. This incident led President George H.W. Bush to launch Operation Just Cause, the invasion of Panama. The PDF, with about 16,000 personnel, was no match for the U.S. forces, which included over 27,000 soldiers, many already stationed in Panama.
The invasion began at 00:45 hours on December 20, 1989. U.S. forces were organized into several task forces with specific objectives. Task Force Bayonet was the first to engage, tasked with capturing key locations, including La Comandencia, the PDF headquarters. Despite resistance, U.S. forces used advanced weaponry and tactics to overcome PDF defenses.
Throughout the first day, U.S. forces achieved significant objectives, capturing key military installations and neutralizing PDF units. However, capturing Noriega took several days. On December 24, Noriega sought refuge in the Vatican’s embassy, where he stayed until negotiations led to his surrender on January 3, 1990.
After Noriega’s capture, a new government was established in Panama, and the U.S. continued stabilization efforts. The operation officially concluded on January 31, 1990, with the U.S. suffering 23 fatalities and 325 wounded, while the PDF faced higher casualties.
Despite the operational success, the invasion drew international criticism, with many countries and organizations condemning U.S. actions as violations of international law. In the aftermath, Panama’s relations with the U.S. continued under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, with the canal eventually transferred to Panama, though it remained within the U.S. sphere of influence.
Research the history and significance of the Panama Canal, focusing on its economic and military importance to the United States. Prepare a presentation that includes maps, historical photos, and key events related to the canal’s history. Present your findings to the class, highlighting how the canal influenced U.S.-Panama relations.
Participate in a class debate on whether the U.S. invasion of Panama was justified. Divide into two groups: one supporting the invasion as a necessary action to protect U.S. interests and restore democracy, and the other opposing it as a violation of international law. Use evidence from the article and additional research to support your arguments.
Choose a historical figure involved in the U.S. invasion of Panama, such as President George H.W. Bush, Manuel Noriega, or a Panamanian civilian. Research your character’s perspective and role during the invasion. Participate in a role-playing activity where you discuss the invasion’s impact from your character’s viewpoint.
Create a detailed timeline of the events leading up to, during, and after the U.S. invasion of Panama. Include key dates, such as the signing of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, the annulled elections, and Operation Just Cause. Use visuals and brief descriptions to make your timeline engaging and informative.
Research and analyze the international reactions to the U.S. invasion of Panama. Write a report summarizing the perspectives of different countries and organizations, and discuss how these reactions influenced U.S. foreign policy. Share your findings with the class in a group discussion.
**U.S. Invasion of Panama: December 20, 1989 – January 31, 1990**
The United States invasion of Panama in late 1989 was an intervention aimed at maintaining Washington’s influence in Latin America. Panama was particularly significant to the U.S. due to the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean and is vital for American military and economic interests.
American involvement with the Panama Canal began in 1902 when the U.S. took over construction duties from the French. In 1903, Washington supported the Panamanian independence movement, leading to the nation’s autonomy from Colombia. This secured U.S. interests in the canal, granting exclusive control over the Panama Canal Zone for substantial financial compensation. Since its opening in 1914, the canal has been a focal point in U.S.-Panama relations. After World War II, control over the canal became contentious, especially after the Egyptians nationalized the Suez Canal in 1956. In 1964, tensions escalated when American soldiers killed several Panamanians, briefly severing diplomatic relations. This dispute was resolved in 1977 with the signing of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, which stipulated that Panama would gain full control of the canal by December 31, 1999, while allowing U.S. vessels continued access.
Despite this agreement, the U.S. maintained its interests in Panama, particularly through Lieutenant Colonel Manuel Noriega, who was a long-time CIA informant and helped the U.S. control the country. However, during the 1980s, Noriega became a liability due to his connections with drug cartels, leading to a shift in U.S. support. After an unsuccessful coup attempt in 1988 and his indictment for drug-related crimes, tensions escalated. In May 1989, Noriega annulled opposition election victories, prompting U.S. pressure for him to recognize the results, which he refused. On December 15, 1989, he declared a state of war between Panama and the U.S.
The situation escalated when Panamanian Defense Forces (PDF) harassed American soldiers, resulting in the death of a Marine. This incident prompted President George H.W. Bush to order Operation Just Cause, the invasion of Panama. The PDF, with around 16,000 personnel, was not a match for the U.S. forces, which included over 27,000 soldiers, many already stationed in Panama.
The invasion commenced at 00:45 hours on December 20, 1989. U.S. forces were organized into several task forces with specific objectives. Task Force Bayonet was the first to engage, tasked with seizing key locations, including La Comandencia, the PDF headquarters. Despite facing resistance, U.S. forces utilized advanced weaponry and tactics to overcome PDF defenses.
Throughout the first day of the invasion, U.S. forces achieved significant objectives, including the capture of key military installations and the neutralization of PDF units. However, the primary goal of capturing Noriega remained unfulfilled for several days. On December 24, Noriega sought refuge in the Vatican’s embassy, where he remained until negotiations led to his surrender on January 3, 1990.
Following Noriega’s capture, a new government was established in Panama, and the U.S. continued stabilization efforts. The operation officially concluded on January 31, 1990, with the U.S. suffering 23 fatalities and 325 wounded, while the PDF faced higher casualties.
Despite the operational success, the invasion drew international condemnation, with many countries and organizations criticizing U.S. actions as violations of international law. The aftermath saw Panama’s relations with the U.S. continue under the framework of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, with the canal ultimately transferred to Panama while remaining within the U.S. sphere of influence.
Invasion – The act of entering a place by force, often to conquer or occupy it. – The invasion of Normandy during World War II was a pivotal moment in the Allied efforts to liberate Europe from Nazi control.
Panama – A country in Central America, known for its strategic location and the Panama Canal. – Panama played a crucial role in global trade due to its control over the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Canal – A man-made waterway constructed to allow the passage of boats or ships inland or to convey water for irrigation. – The construction of the Suez Canal significantly reduced travel time between Europe and Asia, altering global trade routes.
Tensions – Strained relations between groups or countries, often leading to conflict or hostility. – The Cold War was characterized by heightened tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, impacting global politics for decades.
Noriega – Referring to Manuel Noriega, the military dictator of Panama from 1983 to 1989. – Manuel Noriega’s regime in Panama was marked by corruption and his eventual capture by U.S. forces during Operation Just Cause.
Operation – A planned military action or mission. – Operation Desert Storm was a successful military campaign led by coalition forces to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation in 1991.
Forces – Military troops or units organized for combat. – Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, marking a significant turning point in World War II.
Treaties – Formal agreements between countries that are legally binding. – The Treaty of Versailles officially ended World War I, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany.
Relations – The way in which two or more countries, organizations, or people interact with and regard each other. – Diplomatic relations between the United States and China have evolved significantly since the 1970s, impacting global economic and political dynamics.
Influence – The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something. – The cultural influence of the Roman Empire can still be seen today in modern legal systems, languages, and architecture.
