Question

why did the united states want to gain control of cuba?

a. it was a lucrative market for u.s. goods.

b. its sugar business was worth millions of dollars.

c. it was an important manufacturing center.

d. it was strategically important for a war against mexico.

Explanation:

To determine why the US wanted control of Cuba, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Cuba being a lucrative market for US goods is a valid economic reason for US interest.
• Option B: While Cuba's sugar industry was valuable, the phrasing "worth millions" is less comprehensive than the market aspect in A. Also, the US interest was broader than just the sugar business.
• Option C: Cuba was not a major manufacturing center; its economy was more agrarian (sugar, tobacco), so this is incorrect.
• Option D: There was no US - Mexico war context for Cuba's strategic importance here; this is irrelevant.

So the best answer is A as the US sought to expand its market for goods in Cuba.

Answer:

A. It was a lucrative market for U.S. goods.