Which event sparked US interest in creating the Panama Canal?(1 point)
1. President Lincoln's assassination
2. The California Gold Rush
3. The Great Depression
4. World War 1
4. World War 1
To determine which event sparked US interest in creating the Panama Canal, we need to analyze the options given and consider historical context.
1. President Lincoln's assassination: Although President Lincoln's assassination was a significant event in American history, it did not directly relate to the creation of the Panama Canal. The assassination took place in 1865, while the construction of the canal began in 1904.
2. The California Gold Rush: The California Gold Rush, which occurred in the mid-19th century, brought a significant influx of people to the western coast of the United States. However, it also does not directly relate to the creation of the Panama Canal.
3. The Great Depression: The Great Depression was an economic crisis that occurred in the 1930s, several decades after the construction of the Panama Canal. Therefore, it is unrelated to the creation of the canal.
4. World War 1: The correct answer is World War 1. The outbreak of World War 1 in 1914 propelled the United States to seek a faster and more efficient route between its east and west coasts for naval purposes. It became crucial for the US to have easier access between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans for the movement of military ships and supplies.
Therefore, the event that sparked US interest in creating the Panama Canal is option 4: World War 1.