Final answer:
The US wanted to build a canal in Panama to create a shorter route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and establish coal depots for naval ships.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main reason why the US wanted to build a canal in Panama was to create an easier route between the Atlantic and the Pacific. This would greatly reduce travel time and expenses for ships traveling between the two oceans. Additionally, the US wanted to establish colonization in Panama to have coal depots for refueling their naval ships.
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