. Why did Roosevelt become involved in the Panamanian rebellion against Colombia? Why did he want to build the Panama Canal?
Roosevelt became involved in the Panamanian rebellion against Colombia in order to secure a more favorable environment for the construction of the Panama Canal. The Colombian government had been dragging its feet in granting the United States permission to build the canal, and the rebellion in Panama provided an opportunity for the U.S. to intervene and secure control of the region.
Roosevelt wanted to build the Panama Canal for several reasons. First, it was seen as a strategic military and economic asset that would greatly benefit U.S. interests in the region. The canal would allow for faster and more efficient trade and transportation between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, benefiting American commerce and potentially military operations.
Additionally, Roosevelt believed that building the canal would solidify American influence in Latin America and demonstrate the United States' growing power on the world stage. Overall, the Panama Canal was seen as a crucial component of Roosevelt's foreign policy and efforts to establish the United States as a global power.