Explanation:
The construction of the Panama Canal was a monumental feat that forever shaped Panama's destiny. It transformed the small nation into a global crossroads and a center for international trade and commerce. With the canal came an influx of foreign investment, boosting Panama's economy and propelling it to a level of prosperity that would have been hard to achieve without this strategic asset. The canal also elevated Panama's global visibility and geopolitical significance, giving it a voice on the world stage.