Looking at this map, why was it beneficial to the United States to build the Panama Canal? 2 poir All countries were required to build smaller ships in order to fit through the canal and therefore could not trade as many items at once It separated South America from North America It allowed for easier and faster trade routes between countries, revolutionizing trans-Atlantic commerce Panama sunk into the ocean and was no longer a threat

Building the Panama Canal provided several significant benefits to the United States. Among the options you've listed, the most accurate benefits are: 1. **It allowed for easier and faster trade routes between countries, revolutionizing trans-Atlantic commerce.** - **Explanation:** The Panama Canal significantly shortened the maritime journey between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This reduction in travel time facilitated faster movement of goods and military assets, enhancing trade efficiency and national security. 2. **It separated South America from North America.** *(Indirect Benefit)* - **Explanation:** While primarily a geographical change, this separation allowed the U.S. to exert greater influence in the region, ensuring a strategic advantage over other powers in controlling important maritime routes. **Incorrect Options:** - **All countries were required to build smaller ships in order to fit through the canal and therefore could not trade as many items at once.** - *This is more of a limitation rather than a benefit.* - **Panama sunk into the ocean and was no longer a threat.** - *This statement is historically inaccurate.* **Summary:** The primary benefit was enhancing trade efficiency by providing a quicker maritime route, which had profound economic and strategic advantages for the United States.