Final answer:
Henry Cabot Lodge suggested that economic gain and trade opportunities were the primary motivators for the expansion of great nations during the height of imperialism (A). This pursuit of new markets and raw materials was central to empire-building and economic growth in the 19th century.
Step-by-step explanation:
Henry Cabot Lodge claimed that the main motivations for the expansion of the other great nations were primarily economic gain and opportunities for trade. This response aligns with one of the main motives for nineteenth-century imperialism, which was to gain access to raw materials. The era of imperialistic expansion was driven by the need for economic growth, securing new markets, obtaining valuable resources, and sometimes strategic military positioning.
The political, cultural, and economic motives for imperialism in the 19th century included the desire for political dominance, the spread of cultural influence, and economic expansion. While some might argue that diplomatic relationships or religious motives played a role, the overarching reason was the economic benefit derived from controlling additional territories and markets.