Databases

From 1903 until 1968, the Republic of Panama was dominated by a commercially oriented oligarchy mainly made up of post-colonial aristocratic families. During the 1950s, the Panamanian military began to challenge the oligarchy's political hegemony. Coups, political maneuvering, and various intrigues plagued Panamanian politics and society throughout this period. Arnulfo Arias Madrid, President of Panama from 1949-1951, warned of the increasing influence of the military up to the point where his presidency ended in a coup. Throughout the decade of the 1950s, a succession of Presidents were installed and removed from office by the military. The documents found in these files are predominantly instructions to – and despatches from – U.S. diplomatic and consular officials, often accompanied by enclosures, addressing the political affairs and concerns affecting Panama.