Question

The main reason the United States decided to build a canal across Panama instead of Nicaragua was that:
the distance to deliver materials from the United States was shorter.
the United States was able to buy Panama from Colombia.
the land in Panama had more volcanoes.
the land and building rights were less expensive.

Answer 1

the land and building rights were less expensive.

Explanation: The U.S. bought the French Panama Canal company's assets and could acquire the route more cheaply and quickly; Nicaragua also had volcanic/earthquake risks, which made Panama the more practical choice.