Philippe Bunau-Varilla

Philippe Bunau-Varilla (1859-1940), French engineer. Philippe Jean Bunau-Varilla was born in Paris and educated at the École Polytechnique. He was associated with the French company that in 1882 attempted to build the first canal across the Isthmus of Panama. After the company failed in 1888, he organized the New Panama Canal Company in 1894 and became chief engineer for the project. Still lacking funds, in 1902 he persuaded President Theodore Roosevelt to acquire the rights and assets of the French company for the United States. The following year, Bunau-Varilla helped to instigate a revolt by Panamanians against Colombia, of which Panama was then a province. The rebellion, aided by the United States, resulted in the establishment of the Republic of Panama. In 1903, as representative of the government of Panama in the United States, he negotiated the Hay—Bunau-Varilla Treaty. Under the terms of the treaty, the United States acquired territory in central Panama called the Panama Canal Zone and built the Panama Canal. The treaty also gave the United States extensive powers over Panamanian affairs, which caused tension between the two nations for decades to come. In 1904 Bunau-Varilla returned to Europe and directed engineering projects in both Europe and Africa, including the Congo railway in Africa and the first subway system in France.