Question: According to the map, which country most likely held influence over the Canal Zone in the early 1900s?
Options:
• Colombia
• Mexico
• The United States
• Panama
Answer: The correct answer is: The United States.
Explanation: The Canal was a geopolitical strategy to make the United States the most powerful nation on Earth. It all started during the imperialism of the Panama Canal, when Panama wanted to build a canal to connect the Pacific and Atlantic oceans to move ships easily instead of having to go all the way around South America. The US purposed to build the Panama Canal, but Panama rejected their offer. Later on, Panama accepted the offer and this meant that the US held much of the influence over the Canal Zone in the early 1900s. The US gained control of both oceans. In those times, there was no air power, so enemies fought through the sea. This is why ocean power was necessary for times of war. Americans knew that they would be a very powerful nation if they could control the oceans. It required a lot of money and also many lost lives. About 27,000 people died building the Panama Canal.
