It would strengthen the navy and enable the U.S to guard its colonies. I believe the building of the Panama Canal was in time of Imperialism (not 100% sure), where countries were trying to take over smaller or weaker countries to accumulate more power.
The Agricultural Revolution of the 18th century paved the way for the Industrial Revolution in Britain. New farming techniques and improved livestock breeding led to amplified food production. This allowed a spike in population and increased health. The new farming techniques also led to an enclosure movement-wikipedia