Question

What was a primary political motivation for westward expansion?

1) To build a wall along the pacific ocean

2) to prevent european powers from gaining territory

3) to reduce the size of the us government

4) to move the capital to california

Answer 1

2) to prevent European powers from gaining territory

Explanation: A major political motivation for westward expansion was to assert U.S. control of the continent (Manifest Destiny) and keep European powers (Britain, France, Spain) from gaining or retaining footholds in North America (Monroe Doctrine, Oregon boundary disputes, annexation of Texas, Mexican–American War).