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

U.S. control of the Canal Zone lasted nearly 75 years, but growing Panamanian resentment over unequal treatment and lack of rights culminated in protests and violence throughout the 1960s.

The treaties signed by President Jimmy Carter and Omar Torrijos in 1977 marked a historical commitment to gradually return the Canal Zone to Panamanian sovereignty, ending decades of U.S. dominance.

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