Why was it so important for the colonial power to claim the waterways

Ineed the answer ! what year was the 13th amendment passed in the us?

Which of the following is an example of the pull factor known as economic migration? a. better educational opportunities pulling people towards a new country b. mexican laborers entering the us to work in agricultural jobs c. joining family members that are already in a new country d. crop failures driving people away from their country i am unsure on this question, i was thinking b? but i could be wrong.

What is the waterway that links the atlantic and pacific ocean