When nations first began to negotiate for the right to build a canal across panama, a. panama was controlled by venezuela. b. spain was still in control of panama. c. panama was a province of colombia. d. panama was a part of the dominican republic.

C. Panama was a province of colombia

Colombia gave the right to build the canal to a French company, however, the company went bankrupt and couldn't finish the job. America wanted the right to finish the job, however, colombia decided not to give the US the right. So the US helped Panama revolt and sent them military aid. After the successful revolt, Panama gave the US the right to continue building the canal.