Why did the U.S. turn the Panama Canal over to Panama in 1999?

Answer 1

The Torrijos-Carter Treaties (sometimes referred to in the singular as the Torrijos-Carter Treaty) are two treaties signed by the United States and Panama in Washington, D.C., on September 7, 1977, abrogating the Hay-Bunau Varilla Treaty of 1903. The treaties guaranteed that Panama would gain control of the Panama Canal after 1999, ending the control of the canal that the U.S. had exercised since 1903.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torrijos-Carter_Treaties



After the war, United States control of the canal and the Canal Zone surrounding it became contentious as relations between Panama and the U.S. became increasingly tense. Many Panamanians felt that the canal zone rightfully belonged to Panama; student protests were met by the fencing in of the zone and an increased military presence.[26] Negotiations toward a new settlement began in 1974, and resulted in the Torrijos-Carter Treaties. Signed by President of the United States Jimmy Carter and Omar Torrijos of Panama on September 7, 1977, this set in motion the process of handing the canal over to Panamanian control. Though controversial within the U.S., the treaty led to full Panamanian control effective at noon on December 31, 1999, and control of the canal was handed over to the Panama Canal Authority (ACP).

Answer 2

The Panama Canal was built in Panama by the U.S. in the late 19th century under the Teddy Roosevelt administration. Before this, Panama and Colombia were one nation, but the US supported Panama's revolution against Colombia because they wanted to build the canal. The U.S. made a deal with Panama that they would control the canal for 100 years. In 1999, the 100 years was up, and control was returned to Panama.