What was the primary reason for the construction of the Panama Canal?

The primary reason for the construction of the Panama Canal was to reduce travel time for naval and commercial vessels. By providing a shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the canal dramatically decreased the distance ships needed to travel. Instead of navigating around the southern tip of South America via the treacherous Strait of Magellan, vessels could take a much shorter route through the canal, which facilitated faster trade and military movements.

This efficiency had significant economic implications, as it allowed for quicker transportation of goods and enhanced the U.S. Navy's ability to project power in both oceans. The construction of the canal was a monumental engineering achievement and strategically positioned the United States as a central player in international maritime trade.