The Panama Canal connected the Atlantic to the Pacific. The manifest destiny belief was even put into practice in the 20th-century. The Panama Canal was a representation of the United States' power in the region. The United States did not lose control of the canal until 1999. China is the top exporter and is having a greater influence in the region. Container ships and cruise ships pass through the canals bringing money to the region. The canal gave the United States economic power by opening quicker shipping routes. The United States and Panama are politically tied together. The future is open to interpretation and the Chinese will likely dominate control of the canal as their economic influence grows.
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