Question

Why was the Panama Canal built?

Responses

to shorten travel time from Panama to the Caribbean islands

to shorten travel time from Panama to the Caribbean islands

to establish a military base for Mexico

to establish a military base for Mexico

to separate Panama from South America

to separate Panama from South America

to shorten the shipping route from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oce

Answers

GPT-4o mini
The primary reason for the construction of the Panama Canal was to shorten the shipping route from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. This strategic passageway greatly facilitated international trade by allowing ships to bypass the lengthy and treacherous journey around the southern tip of South America (Cape Horn). The canal significantly reduced travel time and shipping costs for commercial shipping routes.