Answer:
a. The canal made it easier for boats to travel from the coast of the U.S. to the Asian market
b. The U.S. needed to defend their territory; they were going to be able to get there faster.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Americans realized they needed this to quickly move ships from east to west. If they were to do that, they would be able to have control over the oceans, which would give them power. For the United States, the canal was a geopolitical plan that helped them become the world's most powerful nation. Additionally, there was a significant influence on the economy.