In your own words, explain why Theodore Roosevelt wanted to build the Panama Canal.(1 point) Responses To help Panama expand To help Panama expand To test out new innovations, such as excavators. To test out new innovations, such as excavators. To better American commerce and military capability. To better American commerce and military capability. To stop European powers from interferring in Latin America.

1 answer

Theodore Roosevelt wanted to build the Panama Canal to better American commerce and military capability. By constructing the canal, it would provide a quicker and more efficient route for American ships to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, reducing travel time and costs. Additionally, having control over the canal would strengthen America's strategic position and prevent European powers from interfering in Latin America, further solidifying American influence in the region.