Question

8. What factors motivated the United States to

acquire new territory? How would you rank
these factors?

Answer 1

The United States was motivated to acquire new territory due to economic interests, manifest destiny, and geopolitical considerations.

Step-by-step explanation:

Factors that Motivated the United States to Acquire New Territory

There were several factors that motivated the United States to acquire new territory:

1. Economic Interests: The United States sought new territories to expand their markets and access valuable resources. For example, the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 provided access to the valuable Port of New Orleans and the Mississippi River, which facilitated trade.
2. Manifest Destiny: This belief held by many Americans in the 19th century was the idea that the United States was destined to expand its territory across the continent. It was driven by a sense of American exceptionalism and the desire to spread democracy and American values.
3. Geopolitical Considerations: The United States sought to establish strategic military bases and secure its borders. For instance, the acquisition of Alaska in 1867 provided a buffer zone against potential Russian threats in the region.

Ranking these factors depends on the time period and specific events, but economic interests, manifest destiny, and geopolitical considerations were generally key motivations for acquiring new territory.

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