The Diplomacy of Accommodation (1821-1857): Colombia and United States

The third volume of this collection is intended to describe and explain Colombia’s international relations with the United States, under various theoretical-conceptual parameters developed in the two preceding volumes. As this work will point out, the relationship between the two nations showed patterns that ranged from an initial manifestation of respect for their respective sovereignties to fluctuating forms of voluntary subordination and imperialism in which the United States sought strategic and commercial control the Isthmus of Panama. Despite many diplomatic incidents experienced by both countries —mainly in trade— Panama’s control undoubtedly represented the most important aspect of the bilateral relationship: Panama received a huge influx of US citizens and US capital that would lead to a rapid and turbulent social destructuration. Another factor was the fear fueled in Bogota by the separatist sentiment of Panamanian elites, foreign ambitions and the great power of the epoch. Unable to exercise control, the New Grenada authorities wanted to implement diffe- rent types of measures: Selling the isthmus to the United States or Great Britain, or signing a neutrality treaty to curb the expansionism of Panama- nian powers and elites. The t reaty signed w ith t he United S tates i n 1846 is the symbol of this entire period: Upon the New Grenada initiative, Panama became controlled by the United States; although this was dangerous at the beginning, it somehow soothed the New Grenada elites for some years.