Question

Please note the placement of the Panama Canal through the isthmus between North and South America. What is the advantage to building the canal in this location? (U10.4) TEKS - 12, 15(D), 17(E), 28(A) (1 point) Responses The canal officially opened in 1914, permanently changing world trade and military defense patterns. The canal officially opened in 1914, permanently changing world trade and military defense patterns. The location required ships to go far south around the tip of South America. The location required ships to go far south around the tip of South America. The Pacific Ocean is higher in elevation, so this location offered some fun rapids to ride. The Pacific Ocean is higher in elevation, so this location offered some fun rapids to ride. The land there was very narrow and allowed for faster construction. The land there was very narrow and allowed for faster construction. The people of Panama were happy to have the canal built because it provided them with jobs.

Answer 1

The primary advantage of building the Panama Canal through the isthmus between North and South America is that the location significantly reduces the travel distance for ships between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Before the canal was built, ships had to navigate the long and treacherous route around the southern tip of South America via the Strait of Magellan or around Cape Horn. The canal, opened in 1914, allows for a much shorter and safer passage, which in turn has greatly facilitated international trade and improved military logistics.

Among the responses provided, the most relevant one is:

"The canal officially opened in 1914, permanently changing world trade and military defense patterns."

This emphasizes the strategic importance of the canal in altering shipping routes and enhancing global trade. The other options presented do not accurately convey the advantages of the canal's location as effectively as this one.