Final answer:
The port of New Orleans was crucial to the United States as it was a key part of a major trade route, particularly for the cotton trade, and it facilitated international shipping via the Mississippi River. Therefore, the correct option is B.
Step-by-step explanation:
Getting the port of New Orleans was important to the United States because B. it was an important part of a major trade route. The city's strategic position near the mouth of the Mississippi River and the prosperity brought in by the cotton trade made it a hub of commerce. The port facilitated the transport of cotton and other goods, enabling them to be shipped internationally, especially to places like Liverpool, England.
Additionally, the acquisition of New Orleans as part of the Louisiana Purchase played a crucial role in preserving the right of Americans to traffic goods through the port without paying customs duties after Spain ceded the territory to France and the U.S. lost its previous trading rights. The importance of the port was further amplified by the fact that prior to improvements in transportation infrastructure and the advent of steam-powered river traffic, the cost of overland shipping was prohibitively expensive, making efficient port cities like New Orleans vital to the economy.