In What Way Was the Construction of the Panama Canal

In what way was the construction of the Panama Canal, as Roosevelt said, "the most important action in foreign affairs"?

A) It gave the United States control over world trade.
B) It made the United States the world's most powerful country.
C) It kept the United States out of involvement in World War I.
D) It solidified American influence in Latin America.
E) It gave the United States power over developments in Europe.