Well, Strait of Gibraltar is the waterway connecting the Western end of the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. Europe is North and Africa is South of the Strait.
In the Strait of Gibraltar, you will find water. Lots and lots of water. :D
There are at least 3 ferry lines from Spain to Oran Algeria. There are others from France to Algeria. See Related Link.
It saved Paris, it was the end of the early German offensive and set the stage for the trench warfare that would ensue.
because it gives the most freedom like speech press religion the ability to assemble peacefully