Question: how did the u.s. get access to the canal zone in panama?
Answer: The U.S acquired the 'Panama Canal' project from the French for $40 million. ... On November 3, 1903, Panama declared its independence without any interference from Colombia. Three months later the Panamanians granted control of the 'Panama Canal Zone' to the United States, having signed the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty.