Final answer:
European empires, notably Britain and France, strengthened their hold on colonies for wealth and power, with Indian alliances playing a vital role in establishing power in North America. The U.S. also heavily focused on land acquisition to formulate its early Indian policy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acquiring colonies or extending influence of a strong country to gain wealth and power is indeed a characteristic of imperialism practiced by strong nations, especially during the late nineteenth century. European empires, like Britain and France, focused on tightening control over their colonies and acquiring more to maintain economic dominance. This was also true for their relationships with Indigenous peoples, as indicated in the question regarding Indian alliances. For example, in the southeast of North America, European powers often sought the support of Native American tribes to bolster their position against rival colonial powers. Indian alliances were indeed crucial for establishing power, as they could provide military support, local knowledge, and increased legitimacy over claimed territories. The policy of land acquisition played a significant role in the early U.S. Indian policy, driven by the desire to expand territory for agricultural and settlement purposes.