What were the events leading to the construction of Panama Canal?

A Frenchman, Ferdinand de Lesseps, was the 1st to try to dig a canal through the Isthmus of Panama. Disease, corruption, and a lack of equipment forced De Lesseps's company into bankruptcy in 1889. A revolt was being planned in Panama to gain independence from Colombia. The U.S. wanted the rebels to succeed but they did not help them. On November 6, 1903, Panama and the U.S. signed the Hay-Banau-Varilla Treaty, allowing the U.S. to build and operate the Canal forever. The canal officially opened on July 12, 1920.