Panama

Panama is the southernmost country of both Central America and, in turn, North America. Situated on the isthmus connecting North and South America, it is bordered by Costa Rica to the northwest, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The capital is Panama City.

From the time it achieved independence from Spain in 1821 until 1903, Panama was a department of Colombia. However, the United States intervened in the early 20th century, recognizing an independent Panama in 1903. In return, the U.S. was allowed to build and administer the Panama Canal.

Panama in Days of Infamy
Panama was strategicly important to the US in it's war with Japan as the Canal allowed the US Navy to transfer carriers from the Atlantic to the Pacific much faster. The country was also heavily defended as the Japanese quickly found out, making reconnaissance near the country impossible.

Panama in Southern Victory
The CSA had proposed building a canal across the Istmus of Panama in 1894. In response, U.S. President Alfred Thayer Mahan threatened war. The Confederate States abandoned the plan.

Throughout both the Great War and the Second Great War, sailors on both sides lamented the fact that there was no direct route from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

Panama in Worldwar
During World War II, Panama was aligned with the Allied Forces. It (along with the rest of Central America) was conquered by the Race's Conquest Fleet in 1942. It was recognized as a Race colony after the Peace of Cairo in 1944.