September 7, 1977 — the Panama Canal Treaties are signed
President Carter signed treaties agreeing to transfer control of the Panama Canal to Panama by 1999, ending decades of direct U.S. control over the strategic waterway. A genuinely contested call at the time — plenty of Americans thought it was a mistake — and still argued about today.
Common Questions
What happened on September 7 in American history?
In 1977: the Panama Canal Treaties are signed. President Carter signed treaties agreeing to transfer control of the Panama Canal to Panama by 1999, ending decades of direct U.S.
Why is September 7 significant?
President Carter signed treaties agreeing to transfer control of the Panama Canal to Panama by 1999, ending decades of direct U.S. control over the strategic waterway. A genuinely contested call at the time — plenty of Americans thought it was a mistake — and still argued about today.
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