Political Justifications for the Panama Canal

In the context of early 20th century American imperialism, the United States pursued a foreign policy that would strengthen its influence in various regions. A significant event during this era was the 1904 construction of the Panama Canal, which was a strategic move designed to enhance naval mobility and economic trade routes. However, this endeavor was not without controversy. Congress and the public debated the legality and morality of U.S. involvement in Panama's independence from Colombia, as well as the methods employed to secure the canal's construction. Which of the following statements best summarizes a major political justification used by American leaders for this action?