“The construction of a railroad across our continent would place the commerce of the entire world within our grasp. From our ports on the Atlantic, we could communicate with the western coast in days, and from thence, our merchant vessels would dominate the trade of China, Japan, and the East Indies. This is no ordinary enterprise; it is the natural fulfillment of our geographical position and the destiny of our republican institutions to spread their influence across the continent and beyond the seas.”
— Asa Whitney, merchant and advocate for a transcontinental railroad, memorial to Congress, 1845
Which of the following developments in the 1840s and 1850s most directly supported the commercial goals described in the excerpt?
- AThe strict adherence to laissez-faire principles by the federal government, which refused to subsidize private transportation projects
- BThe implementation of federal policies that reserved western lands for Native American tribes to foster long-term commercial cooperation
- The acquisition of ports on the Pacific coast, such as Puget Sound and San Francisco, through treaties and warAnswer
- DThe extension of the Monroe Doctrine to create military alliances with East Asian nations to protect shipping lanes
Answer
The acquisition of ports on the Pacific coast, such as Puget Sound and San Francisco, through treaties and war
The acquisition of territories on the Pacific coast, specifically through the Oregon Treaty of 1846 and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, gave the United States key ports like San Francisco and Seattle (Puget Sound). These ports allowed merchants to launch direct maritime trade with East Asian markets like China and Japan, realizing the commercial vision of Manifest Destiny.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Manifest Destiny, Westward Expansion, and Pacific Trade
Estimated Time:2m 0s