Question

panama canal
complete the chart below by describing the motivations for the u.s. to build the panama canal.
economic
military
security

Explanation:

• Economic: The canal would drastically cut travel time and costs for U.S. merchant ships moving between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, enabling faster, cheaper trade of goods (like agricultural products and manufactured items) and boosting U.S. commercial competitiveness globally.
• Military: It would allow the U.S. Navy to quickly transfer ships between the two oceans, strengthening the country's ability to project military power, protect overseas territories (like newly acquired Hawaii and the Philippines), and respond to conflicts in both hemispheres.
• Security: By controlling a key global shipping chokepoint, the U.S. could safeguard its own trade routes from disruption, prevent rival powers from dominating the strategic passage, and enhance regional stability in the Americas aligned with U.S. interests.

Answer:

Economic

Reduce transoceanic shipping time/costs; boost U.S. global trade profits.

Military

Enable rapid Navy deployment between Atlantic/Pacific; protect U.S. overseas territories.

Security

Control a strategic shipping chokepoint; safeguard U.S. trade routes from disruption.