Final answer:
The United States sought control over Midway and Wake Islands due to their strategic military value as stopover bases, which was vital for operations in the Pacific during WW2. Their control contributed to the U.S. victory in the pivotal Battle of Midway and maintaining a military advantage in the region.
Step-by-step explanation:
The United States sought to control Midway Island and Wake Island during the early 20th century primarily due to their strategic significance as military and refueling bases. These small islands were crucial during World War II as they served as key stopovers for military ships and air fleets, enabling the U.S. to maintain a presence in the Pacific and support its capabilities for war efforts, especially against Japan. The Battle of Midway in June 1942 was particularly significant as it halted Japanese advances in the Pacific and marked a turning point in the war, with the United States sinking four Japanese aircraft carriers and preventing Japan from launching further attacks toward Hawaii.
The islands' locations made them ideal for establishing early warning systems and staging areas for the United States military, thereby assisting in the protection of American interests and territories in the Pacific, such as Hawaii. Contrary to options A (preserving natural beauty), C (being resource-rich), and D (establishing colonies), the primary reason was strategic military advantage, which aligns with option B.