Which of the following arguments could have been used to support the U.S. acquisition of Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines
1. Economic benefits: Acquiring Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines would provide the United States with valuable resources, markets for American products, and access to new trade routes.
2. Strategic military advantages: Having control over these territories would allow the United States to establish military bases, which would help protect American interests in the Pacific region and strengthen the country's global military presence.
3. Civilizing mission: Some Americans believed that it was their duty to bring democracy, Western values, and Christianity to these territories, which they saw as undeveloped and in need of guidance from a more advanced nation.
4. Manifest Destiny: Some Americans argued that it was the country's destiny to expand its territory and influence, and that acquiring these territories was a natural extension of this belief.
5. National security: Acquiring Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines would help protect American interests in the Pacific region and prevent other powers, such as Spain or Japan, from gaining control over these territories.