Panama Canal

U.S Building of Panama Canal was Good for America
Dear Sir, Imperialism helped progress America to greatness. I am pro imperialism for many reasons because when the U.S built the Panama Canal it affected many phases of America positively including, economically, military, and culturally. All this was achieved for only 1 million dollars plus a $250,000 annual rent. The Panama Canal opened many doors in terms of trade to help America’s economics. One example it has helped is as the nation had expanded fully out west to California, gold was later discovered in California. America was eager to create a short sea passage to America’s western-most parts for gold shipment, and eliminate the transportation of gold over land to the east coast. Over 10% of all U.S shipping goes through the canal. Those exports represent jobs for Americans because all of the products are made in the U.S. The Panama Canal also allowed easier access to their newly acquired territories, such as Puerto Rico and Guam. Also not only did the Canal reduced the time it took to travel from the east coast to the west coast, but it cut the time nearly in half which results in significantly reducing shipping costs. Finally the fee for other countries to even pass through the canal contributes to the economy because the ships pay up to $300,000 for one round. Not only does the Panama Canal support America economically, but it also protects us because it helps extend American naval power. The U.S navy now has the ability to move swiftly from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. This allows the navy to be on guard twice as fast. The canal allowed the military to be on better watch on their new territories near Central America such as Puerto Rico and Guam. The canal was needed to be protected thus guaranteeing that there would be a strong presence in Latin America which made the Latin Americans second guessing when attempting to fight back. The canal eventually made a mark on Central America of not to mess with USA. Ultimately the main reason of imperialism was to spread democracy and Christianity. The Panama Canal allowed America to spread all of this to Central America. America’s spread of democracy affected many of their territories. America intended good and it did because there territories were much safer. Also the spread of Christianity also spread our culture. This is guiding other territories and protecting them. Now thanks to the canal America has spread their culture all over the western hemisphere. This is why I believe imperialism was a great idea because almost everyone benefitted. They benefitted economically, military, and culturally. The Panama Canal was an amazing feat and asset.