Pirates, Rogues, Revolutionaries, and Lobbyists: A Legislative History of the Panama Canal Purchase Act of 1902

Just three pages of legislative text was enough for the United States to embark on the one of the grandest engineering feats of all time. This Article examines the history, policies, and processes that led to the passage of the Panama Canal Purchase Act of 1902. Beginning and ending with civil wars in Latin America, this Article tells the story of how foreign affairs influence Washington, D.C., and vice versa. It follows closely a rotating cast of characters seeking fame and fortune who resorted to any lengths to achieve them. It winds through stories of revolutions, corruption, pirates, and cutthroat politics. In some ways, the passage of that law was as difficult as the engineering challenges faced by those tasked with constructing the canal. The Act itself faced a multitude of setbacks, referrals to committees, and calls for further study. Despite the intervening century, the final passage of this Act teaches us modern lessons for legislative design and advocacy