Question

why did president roosevelt support the rebels in panama when they declared independence from colombia?
the rebels promised to provide laborers to help the us build the panama canal.
colombia threatened to attack us workers if they began work on a canal.
colombia had raised the price for the rights to build the panama canal.
the rebels promised to allow freedom of religion in panama.

Explanation:

To determine why Roosevelt supported Panamanian rebels, we analyze the context of the Panama Canal. Colombia had renegotiated the canal - building deal and raised the price for the rights to build the Panama Canal. The rebels' independence from Colombia would allow the US to pursue the canal project on more favorable terms. The other options are incorrect: the rebels' promise of laborers is not the main reason, Colombia did not threaten to attack US workers, and freedom of religion was not a factor in this decision.

Answer:

Colombia had raised the price for the rights to build the Panama Canal.