And I'm guessing French finances in the late 19th century were in good enough shape that the US wouldn't be able to simply buy up the rights to the canal for a low price.
Assuming that the US doesn't go to war to seize the canal, leaving it in French hands, how would US naval doctrine change? Would the US seek a closer alliance with France in order to ensure access to the canal for military purposes? Or with the possible aversion of the Spanish-American War, would there be any need for the US to maintain a Pacific squadron beyond a few small riverine gunboats in China?
Assuming that the US doesn't go to war to seize the canal, leaving it in French hands, how would US naval doctrine change? Would the US seek a closer alliance with France in order to ensure access to the canal for military purposes? Or with the possible aversion of the Spanish-American War, would there be any need for the US to maintain a Pacific squadron beyond a few small riverine gunboats in China?