Final answer:
The US gained rights to build the Panama Canal through political agreements and military aid to Panama. The Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty solidified the US rights to construct and control the canal.
Explanation:
The United States gained the rights to build the Panama Canal through a series of political maneuvers and negotiations. President Roosevelt made a secret deal to offer military aid to the Panamanians to secure the rights to construct the canal.
Subsequently, the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty in 1903 guaranteed Panama's independence while granting the US the 'use, occupation and control' of a canal zone.
US intervention in Panama's independence from Colombia and political agreements were key in allowing the US to gain the authorization to build and operate the Panama Canal.
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