Why is the Panama Canal important? | Britannica But it was the industrialist new president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, who in 1901 declared that a Central American canal was of the utmost importance - militarily and commercially. Why Are Canals Important?A canal is a human-made waterway that allows boats and ships to pass from one body of water to another. . The Importance Of The Panama Canal . Importance of the Panama Canal for International Trade It took thousands of workers, over generations for the making of this canal. Panama Canal | Definition, History, Treaty, Map, Locks, & Facts For the Army, the canal represented a vital capability to shorten supply lines, since the great preponderance of supplies had to come to the combat areas by ship. The canal links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, saving ships from having to travel around South America. Panama Canal Significance - eNotes.com The Panama Canal's importance lies in its advantages for import and export, as well as international trade relations. These people were from the British West Indies, faced racism, a harsh jungle environment and . the miraflores locks of the panama canal (also taken by my wife, from the sky!) The canal cuts across the Isthmus of Panama and is a conduit for maritime trade. Why a Canal Built in 1869 Is More Important Than Ever. Milestones: 1977-1980 - Office of the Historian The Panama Canal was built to reduce the distance that ships had to travel to pass between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The opening of the canal in 1914 permanently reshaped the global supply chains. Pick a Region:. Therefore without the Canal to keep world trade running smoothly, major economic issues would result. Panama Canal - Wikipedia Also both canals have impacts on the global economy. Due to its construction in the narrowest region of the American continent, approximately 14,000 ships cross each year between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Overall, it is important to keep the Canal running in order to keep a smooth worldwide . Why is the Panama Canal Important? Panama Canal, which is much shorter, linking the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. This idea of a sea level canal connecting two of the world's vastest oceans was incredible and would require well thought out engineering plans. One of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken, the Panama Canal shortcut greatly reduces the time . Taking a long 10 years to build.