Final answer:
The primary benefit of digging a canal through Panama was to save time for passengers and merchants in their travels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary benefit that Theodore Roosevelt saw in digging a canal through Panama was to save time for passengers and merchants in their travels. By creating a shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the canal would significantly reduce the distance and time required to transport goods and navigate between the two coasts. This would greatly benefit international trade and enhance economic efficiency, making it a crucial strategic undertaking for the United States.
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