Today, Philippe Bunau-Varilla, a French engineer and diplomat, put his John Hancock on a treaty that would change the course of history. Alongside US Secretary of State John Hay, they penned the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty, giving the United States exclusive rights over the Panama Canal Zone. This 50-mile stretch of land, crucial for connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, would become a linchpin in global trade and American influence. The treaty marked a significant milestone in US expansionism, showcasing the nation's growing influence on the world stage.