Nicaragua

Rachel KornmannBlock 3

Nicaragua had a great canal that was used for transoceanic route. The possibility of economic riches attracted many countries. Afraid of Britain's colonial intentions, Nicaragua held discussions with the United States in 1849, leading to a treaty that gave the United States exclusive rights to a transit route across Nicaragua. In return, the United States promised protection of Nicaragua from other foreign intervention.

When a revolt against the government jeopardized American interest in Nicaragua in 1912, U.S. Marines arrived and stayed until 1925. As a possible site for a interocean canal Nicaragua was particularly an interest and was important. The U.S. wanted to make sure no foreign power gained control of the route.

Why the U.S. wanted to control the area:

-was the first official U.S. representative that arrived in Nicaragua

Ephraim George Squier

Cornelius Vanderbilt

United States businessman that singed a treaty in -Nicaragua that gave his company “Accessory Transit Company” exclusive rights to build a transisthmian canal within twelve years. Also gave him exclusive rights to the canal.