Final answer:
During the First Punic War, Rome aimed to expand its territory by taking control of Sicily, while Carthage wanted to protect its trade interests and maintain control over the island. Rome's victory led to the annexation of Sicily and further strained the relationship between the two powers, paving the way for the Second Punic War.
Step-by-step explanation:
The First Punic War commenced with both Rome and Carthage aiming to expand their spheres of influence and control over strategic territories. The war broke out in 264 BCE when conflict arose over Sicily, a vital island for trade and military advantage. The Romans saw this as an opportunity to extend their dominion beyond the Italian peninsula, buoyed by their recent victory in the Pyrrhic War, which solidified their control over southern Italy. The Carthaginians had established a significant trading empire and were keen to maintain and protect their commercial interests, including the rich mines of gold and copper in Spain. They sought to secure their holdings in Sicily and to counteract the burgeoning Roman power. However, the Romans managed to turn the tides of war by adapting their strategy to naval battles, eventually seizing control of Sicily and forcing the Carthaginians to sue for peace and pay reparations. Despite their defeat, the Carthaginians continued to perceive the Romans as a formidable threat, which led to the eventual eruption of the Second Punic War. The First Punic War concluded with Rome emerging as a significant naval power and annexing not only Sicily but also the islands of Corsica and Sardinia.