Why was the United States interested in claiming the Pacific Northwest? (1 point) Responses to mine gold in Washington to mine gold in Washington to gain seaports along the coast for shrimping to gain seaports along the coast for shrimping to trade with Asia to trade with Asia to trade with Great Britain

The United States was interested in claiming the Pacific Northwest primarily to trade with Asia. This region offered access to valuable sea routes and ports that would facilitate trade with countries in East Asia, including China. Additionally, the Pacific Northwest was seen as an important strategic and economic asset for the United States in its competition with other global powers, such as Great Britain, for control over valuable resources and markets.