Select the correct answer.

Question

What was the main reason for building the Suez Canal?
Group of answer choices

increasing European trade with the Middle East and Asia

increasing Russian naval ports in the Middle East

allowing Indian merchants to reach the eastern coast of Africa

allowing the French military to bring weapons to Asia

Answer 1

The main reason for building the Suez Canal was increasing European trade with the Middle East and Asia. The canal significantly shortened the maritime route between Europe and Asian markets, facilitating trade and commerce.