It was not stolen, the lease was based on mutually agreed treaty, which has also advantages for Panama (by US providing support during its independence revolt).
(Although one could say it was stolen from Colombia, through support of Panama independence.)
>(Although one could say it was stolen from Colombia, through support of Panama independence.)
The Panamanian independence movement from Colombia had existed for decades. Did the US leverage it to obtain territory for the canal? Yes. Did independence reflect local sentiment? Yes.
(Although one could say it was stolen from Colombia, through support of Panama independence.)