What was the main goal of Taft's policies regarding the Panama Canal?

The main goal of Taft's policies regarding the Panama Canal was to protect American interests. When William Howard Taft became president, he sought to expand American influence in Central America and the Caribbean, particularly through the strategic control and economic benefits that the canal afforded. The canal was essential for facilitating maritime trade and military movement, making it a key asset for safeguarding U.S. interests in the region and ensuring the swift transport of naval forces and commercial goods.

Taft's administration advocated for increased American involvement in the region, leading to policies like Dollar Diplomacy, which emphasized economic investment and loans to strengthen U.S. interests abroad. Securing and maintaining control over the Panama Canal directly aligned with this approach, as the canal provided a vital link between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, further enhancing American trade and military capabilities.