Final answer:
During World War I, U.S. businesspeople prioritized expanding domestic production of war-related goods to support the Allied powers and advance national defense. Option b.
Step-by-step explanation:
During World War I, U.S. businesspeople would have found expanding domestic production of war-related goods to be the most important endeavor, corresponding to option b. This focus is supported by the fact that the war created a massive demand for military supplies and equipment needed to support the war effort.
Moreover, the U.S. economy strengthened as industries shifted to produce goods for the war, which aligns with the historical context of the United States providing significant financial and material support primarily to the Allied powers. By doing so, they were indirectly advancing national defense and helping industries stay strong.
At the same time, ensuring that business operations contributed to the war effort became a patriotic and profitable strategy.
The goals of U.S. foreign policy during this time included keeping the country safe, which aligns with domestic manufacturing supporting the war effort. U.S. isolationist policies were maintained to an extent, but the economic focus was on supporting the Allies due to trade ties and logistic considerations.
It is notable that this nationalistic approach also involved helping workers as a group due to increased employment in war industries.
The North's financing of its own war effort, which is presumably referring to the Civil War, primarily through selling war bonds, is a historical example of how domestic economic policy aligns with national defense needs during times of war.
In summary, U.S. businesses in World War I strategically expanded domestic production to support the national and Allied war effort, which was the most critical aspect at that time.
So Option b is correct answer.