Final answer:
The Panama Canal is the most impactful on the global economy among the options provided, facilitating significant shipping and trade by connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Since taking over the Canal Zone, Panama has enhanced economic development with a large free-trade zone and growth in international banking. The correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Panama Canal has the most impact on the global economy compared to the other options listed. The French company that initially attempted to build the Panama Canal experienced significant loss in terms of finances and worker lives due to disease and difficult working conditions.
However, the United States completed the Panama Canal in less than ten years. Since its completion, the Panama Canal has played a crucial role in global shipping and trade by allowing ships to bypass the long and dangerous journey around South America. This engineering feat has become a vital transportation link between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
The Canal Zone was returned to Panama in 2000. To manage and maintain canal operations effectively, Panama has created a free-trade zone near the canal, which has grown to be one of the largest in the world. Additionally, Panama City has become prominent in international banking and aspires to be a significant economic center for the region, thus advancing economic globalization and trade for Panama.
Hence, option C is correct.