🇵🇦HISTORIA de PANAMÁ en 13 minutos [resumen]🇵🇦 - El Mapa de Sebas

Summary

Panama, known for its iconic canal, has a rich and complex history. From its pre-Columbian era and European exploration to its tumultuous colonial period, Panama faced invasions, struggles for independence, and shifting powers. The country endured pirate attacks, wars, and attempts at secession, finally achieving independence in 1903 with U.S. support. Through decades of political instability and dictatorship, Panama navigated its way toward economic prosperity. With the canal's pivotal role and a growing economy, Panama continues to thrive under democratic governance, with hopes of maintaining its success in the future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Panama is more than just a canal; its economic prosperity was historically debated, and it holds an important cultural history.
• 😀 Pre-Columbian Panama had a sparse population with limited political structure, mainly inhabited by the Chibchan and Cueva peoples.
• 😀 Rodrigo de Bastidas was the first European to reach Panama in 1501, followed by Christopher Columbus's expedition in 1502.
• 😀 The first city in Panama, Santa María la Antigua del Darién, was founded by Vasco Núñez de Balboa and became the capital of the Castilla del Oro governorship.
• 😀 In 1513, Vasco Núñez de Balboa became the first European to sight the Pacific Ocean, calling it the 'Mar del Sur.'
• 😀 Panama was an important point for trade, but invasions from pirates and corsairs, like Francis Drake and Henry Morgan, disrupted its growth.
• 😀 The establishment of the Panama Canal was crucial in Panama's history, although multiple failed attempts were made before its completion in 1914.
• 😀 Panama declared its independence in 1903 with support from the United States, who played a key role in Panama's separation from Colombia.
• 😀 Panama's political landscape was marked by instability, with numerous changes in leadership and the creation of the Zona Libre de Colón in 1948.
• 😀 The country underwent significant political turmoil under Omar Torrijos and Manuel Noriega, including conflicts with the United States and a U.S. invasion in 1989.
• 😀 Today, Panama is experiencing economic prosperity, particularly due to the canal, and remains politically stable, with democratic elections and a growing economy.

Q & A

What makes Panama more than just a simple navigation canal?

Panama's history and cultural significance extend beyond its role as a major shipping route. The country has a rich history, including early indigenous cultures, European exploration, colonization, and multiple attempts at independence, making it much more than just a canal.

What was the pre-Columbian history of Panama like?

The pre-Columbian history of Panama is ambiguous due to the region's geography. Few indigenous groups settled there, and those who did, such as the Chibchan and Cueva peoples, either disappeared through mestizaje or due to diseases brought by Europeans.

Who was the first European to reach Panama's coast?

Rodrigo de Bastidas was the first European to reach Panama's coast in 1501, followed by other expeditions, including Christopher Columbus' fourth voyage in 1502.

What role did Vasco Núñez de Balboa play in Panama's history?

Vasco Núñez de Balboa founded the first European settlement on the Pacific side of Panama, named Santa María la Antigua del Darién. He also became the first European to see the Pacific Ocean from the Americas in 1513, which he named the South Sea.

How did Panama become part of the Spanish Empire?

After the discovery of Panama by Europeans, it became part of the Spanish Empire under the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of Tierra Firme, which was a region that did not have a specific king but served as a colonial division. Over time, it became part of the Gobernación de Veragua in 1508.

What were the impacts of piracy on Panama during the colonial period?

Panama was frequently attacked by pirates and corsairs, notably by English figures like Francis Drake and John Hawkins. These invasions were unsuccessful in colonizing the region but caused significant disruption and led to the destruction of settlements.

What significant event happened in Panama in 1695?

In 1695, Panama was attacked and partially destroyed by Welsh pirate Henry Morgan. Following this, the city of Panama was relocated about ten kilometers southwest to its current location, which became known as the Casco Antiguo.

How did Panama gain its independence from Spain?

Panama gained its independence from Spain in 1821. It initially remained loyal to Spain, but after a series of independence movements across Latin America, Panama peacefully declared independence and joined Gran Colombia, led by Simón Bolívar.

What led to Panama's separation from Colombia in 1903?

Panama's separation from Colombia in 1903 was influenced by several factors, including the desire for independence, a failed treaty in Colombia's senate regarding the construction of the canal, and strong support from the United States. Panama's independence was recognized internationally following the U.S.'s backing.

What impact did Manuel Noriega's regime have on Panama?

Manuel Noriega's regime, which began in 1983, was marked by authoritarian rule, military repression, and involvement in drug trafficking. His annulment of election results in 1989 and declaration of war against the U.S. led to a U.S. invasion, Noriega's capture, and the restoration of Panama's constitutional order.