Verified Answer :

It helped contribute to imperialism because the United
States took over construction of the canal from the French. Upon completion, it
provided the U.S. with a faster route for its ships to travel.  As a result, it has been a vital interest for
the U.S. to keep the canal in their control which is one form of imperialism.  It helped in nation-building because the
government of Panama gave full support to the project.