In order to construct the Panama Canal. The United States had a heavy desire of making it easier to ship goods between both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans for easier trade, travel, and commerce. In the early 20th century, a desire for Panamanian independence was brewing when Panama made an effort to break away from Colombia. The US sent warships to Panama to support the independence movement. After successfully breaking away with American support, the Panama government negotiated a strip of land for the US to construct the Panama Canal.
