President Roosevelt was right to help the people of Panama revolt against Colombia? agree or disagree?

Question

please state why or your reason

Answer 1

Yes, but it didn't happen the way you pose the question.  

After the French failed in their attempt to build a canal from the Caribbean to the Pacific, several wealthy New York investors (one of them being J.P. Morgan) saw the opportunity of making money with a canal.

At the time, the White House and many members of Congress were more interested in a canal across Nicaragua.

The investors approached Colombia and made them an offer. The Colombians refused it. Told them to go home.

About that time the people who were against the Nicaragua canal publicized a postage stamp that showed an active volcano in Nicaragua, quite near the route of the proposed canal.  That stamp changed the President's mind about Nicaragua and made everyone look to Panama.

So the investors found a man who met with prominent Panamanians and told them the USA would support them if they revolted against Colombia. He said the USA would defend Colon and Panama City.  The five Panamanians agreed.  President Roosevelt sent ships to Colon and later to Panama City.

Before they arrived, a Colombian gun boat fired on Panama City, killing one man and his mule and they sailed away.  Panama was independent.

The canal was completed and has been a big financial gain for the small country of Panama.