Question 10 of 10 Why did the United States support rebel groups to declare their independence from Colombia and form the country of Panama? A. The Spanish controlled Colombia and refused to allow U.S. merchants to trade in the country. B. The Colombian government had been blocking U.S. plans to build a canal in Panama. C. The United States wanted to promote the spread of democracy throughout Latin America. D. The Panamanian rebels were in control of important trade routes that the United States needed to access.