Jimmy Carter gave Panama control of the canal. It's one of his most controversial achievements

control of the Canal Zone had been building for years. The signing of the Panama Canal treaties in 1977 between President Jimmy Carter and Panama’s leader, Gen. Omar Torrijos, marked the beginning of the gradual transfer of control of the Canal Zone back to Panama. The treaties signified the end of nearly 75 years of U.S. control over the narrow strip of land and its accompanying infrastructure. The agreement aimed to address Panamanian resentment towards the unequal treatment and lack of citizenship rights for those living in the Canal Zone.

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