Final answer:
The United States needed the Panama Canal for trade, military strategic importance, and geopolitical influence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The United States needed the Panama Canal for several reasons:
- Trade and Economic Benefits: The canal provided a shorter and more efficient route for ships traveling between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, which greatly expedited and reduced the cost of global trade.
- Military Strategic Importance: The canal allowed the United States to quickly move naval vessels between its Atlantic and Pacific fleets, enhancing its military readiness and ability to defend its interests.
- Geopolitical Influence: Controlling the canal gave the United States significant power and influence in the region, allowing it to project its dominance and protect its economic and political interests in Latin America.
Overall, the Panama Canal played a critical role in facilitating trade, enhancing military capabilities, and asserting geopolitical influence for the United States.
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