The United States Discovers Panama: The Writings of Soldiers, Scholars, Scientists, and Scoundrels, 1850-1905

Marking the centennial of Panama's separation from Colombia in 1903, this volume reprises U.S. images of the isthmus a century ago. The editors have collected a fascinating selection of articles from two of the most influential publications of the era, Harper's Monthly Magazine and the Atlantic Monthly, to illustrate the prejudices and expansionistic rhetoric of the time. An eclectic mix of adventure-seekers, naturalists, and scholars all helped a reading public in the United States 'discover' Panama. Their writings show how Americans came to believe control of the isthmus was vital to their economic and political wellbeing. Constituting critically important primary sources, these articles will help readers think more critically and carefully about U.S. foreign policy and the ongoing legacy in U.S.-Latin American relations.