Question

“To the Commanders of armed vessels belonging to the United States:

“WHEREAS it is declared by the act entitled ‘An act for the protection of the commerce and seamen of the United States, against the Tripolitan cruisers,’ That it shall be lawful fully to equip, officer, man, and employ such of the armed vessels of the United States, as may be judged requisite by the President of the United States, for protecting effectually the commerce and seamen thereof, on the Atlantic ocean, the Mediterranean and adjoining seas: and also, that it shall be lawful for the President of the United States to instruct the commanders of the respective public vessels, to subdue, seize, and make prize, of all vessels, goods, and effects, belonging to the Bey [Sultan] of Tripoli [in North Africa], or to his subjects.

“THEREFORE, And in pursuance of the said statute, you are hereby authorized and directed to subdue, seize, and make prize, of all vessels, goods, and effects, belonging to the Bey of Tripoli, or to his subjects, and to bring or send the same into port, to be proceeded against and distributed according to law.

“By command of the President of the United States of America.”

The rhetorical purpose expressed in the excerpt would most likely have been interpreted as promoting which of the following?


Expanding suffrage rights to all White men

Option A,Expanding suffrage rights to all White men

a

Challenging Great Britain’s control of Canada

Option B,Challenging Great Britain’s control of Canada

b

Using international commerce to expand United States influence

Option C,Using international commerce to expand United States influence

c

Investing in technology to make ocean voyages faster

Option D,Investing in technology to make ocean voyages faster

d

Answer 1

Answer: C. Using international commerce to expand United States influence.

Reason: The order authorizes naval action to protect U.S. commerce and seize vessels of Tripoli, demonstrating use of naval power in foreign waters to defend and advance U.S. commercial interests — not about suffrage, Canada, or ocean technology.