1. Strategic Importance: The Panama Canal would provide a shorter and safer route for ships traveling between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This would reduce the time and cost of transporting goods between the two coasts and make it easier to project military power in both regions.
2. Economic Benefits: The canal would boost trade and commerce by allowing ships to avoid the treacherous journey around Cape Horn, which was often dangerous and time-consuming. It would also open up new markets for American goods and services in Latin America and Asia.
3. Technological Prowess: Building the Panama Canal was a massive engineering project that required advanced technology and expertise. The United States wanted to demonstrate its technological prowess and engineering capabilities to the world.
4. Political Influence: The construction of the Panama Canal would give the United States a strong presence in the region and increase its influence in Latin America. The canal would also make it easier for the US Navy to defend its interests in the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
5. National Prestige: Building the Panama Canal would be a major engineering feat and a source of national pride for the United States. It would showcase American ingenuity and engineering skills and enhance the country's international prestige.
6. Control over Trade: The canal would give the United States greater control over trade routes and shipping lanes in the Americas, which could benefit American businesses and the economy as a whole.
