To build the Panama Canal, the United States backed a revolution in

(A) Colombia

(B) Guatemala

(C) Nicaragua

(D) Costa Rica

(E) Honduras

The best answer is A.

In 1903, the United States supported a rebel group from Panama which was then part of Colombia.

The US signed a treaty with Colombia called the Hay - Herran treaty which granted the USA use of the canal on its completion.

The Colombian government refused to sign for fear of losing sovereignty and the US responded by approving a rebellion by Panama nationalists which started on November 1903.

The US sent a battle ship to Panama to " protect American lives" in Panama making Colombian forces afraid to sail to Panama to quell the rebellion. The rebellion succeeded and Panama declared itself independent from Colombia.