What strategic maritime undertaking was completed in 1914, facilitating faster naval routes?

The Panama Canal, completed in 1914, was a significant engineering feat that transformed maritime trade by providing a shortcut for ships traveling between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Prior to the canal's construction, vessels had to navigate around the southern tip of South America, a journey that was time-consuming and fraught with hazards due to unpredictable weather and challenging sea conditions.

The canal significantly reduced travel time for naval and commercial ships, allowing them to move cargo more efficiently between these two major bodies of water. This strategic undertaking not only enhanced naval mobility but also played a crucial role in global trade by streamlining supply routes. Its completion symbolized a pivotal advancement in maritime technology and international commerce, making it a key event in the history of maritime endeavors.

The Suez Canal, while also crucial for maritime navigation, was completed earlier in 1869 and served different regional needs, primarily connecting Europe to Asia through Egypt. The Corinth Canal, which cut through Greece, was completed in the late 19th century but served a more localized purpose. The Grand Canal in China is one of the world's oldest and longest canals, significant for domestic trade but not relevant in the context of the 20th-century maritime shifts.