In 1914, the Panama Canal opened to ships. Describe the geographic importance of the location of the Panama Canal. Be sure to provide details and examples in your response. Write your answer in complete sentences.

The Panama Canal, completed in 1914, considerably shortened the maritime distances between the American East and West coasts by 13,000 km. Both the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal reduced maritime shipping distances and costs considerably.

since most of current immigration into the u.s., both legal and illegal, is coming from latin america. it would be very difficult to imagine or rationalize a country my fellow citizens are trying desperately to flee into, would pose a threat to my prosperity or freedom. since the u.s. has a long history of intervention, but no record of permanent occupation, i would not feel oppression is the main objective.  

the largest free trade nation, along with the largest gdp in the world wanting to expand it's economic policy on us, and including us, could only be positive. the u.s. government has no interest in, or way of simply forcing american culture on us. and has no track record of it. other nations that adopted american social culture, or "americanization" did so voluntarily, mainly through the choice of allowing american businesses and u.s. citizens to come into their nations, as free operatives.