Question

Which statement is supported by the quotation at the bottom center of the poster?

1) Spanish rule in Cuba was overthrown on humanitarian grounds.
2) The acquisition of colonies was against traditional American beliefs.
3) The acquisition of colonies would increase the profits of American businesses.
4) The U.S. Navy needed to acquire Guam, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico as coaling stations.

Answer 1

The supported statement is that the acquisition of colonies would boost American business profits, as U.S. enterprises hoped to capitalize on Spanish withdrawal and new investments, particularly in Cuban agriculture.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement supported by the quotation at the bottom center of the poster is that the acquisition of colonies would increase the profits of American businesses. This motive aligns with one of the reasons Americans supported the Cubans in their fight for independence.

U.S. businesses were eager to invest in Cuban agriculture and benefit from Spain's exit from the region, which would also further the Monroe Doctrine. The acquisition of colonies such as the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam, and other islands after the defeat of Spain in the Spanish-American War offered both strategic military value and commercial opportunities. Furthermore, the introduction of divisions such as gunboat diplomacy demonstrated the convergence of humanitarian concerns with American self-interest, particularly in terms of economic gains and strategic positioning.