Answer:
wanted to ship goods quickly
Explanation:
American and British leaders and businessmen wanted to ship goods quickly and cheaply between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
The meaning of this quote "A leader is best when people barely know he exists; when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say; we did it ourselves" means if the leader is unknown to many people once he has finished or achieved a remarkable goal other people (such as Laozi) can steal the glory and be remembered for something they didn't do.
https://www.usa.gov/how-laws-are-made
I found this for ya.
Look at the info graphic and see what you can make of it!