Sixty cyclists set off from a café outside Paris on the inaugural Tour de France, a publicity stunt that becomes the world's most storied bike race.

Panama's constituent assembly ratified the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty, granting the United States control over the Canal Zone in perpetuity.

Panamanian separatists, backed tacitly by the United States, complete their break from Colombia just days before the canal treaty is signed.

Panamanian separatists, backed by U.S. warships offshore, declared independence from Colombia, clearing the way for American construction of the Panama Canal.

Panama declared independence from Colombia, a revolt quietly encouraged by the United States to secure rights for the future Panama Canal.

Panama's new government solidified control days after declaring independence from Colombia, backed by U.S. naval power protecting the future canal route.

The United States formally recognized the newly independent Republic of Panama just days after its secession from Colombia, clearing the way for the Panama Canal.