Political leaders, including Theodore Roosevelt, justified annexation of the Philippines and Puerto Rico on the grounds that: A) Economic Expansion: to promote economic growth and access new markets for American goods. B) Strategic Military Bases: to establish strategic military presence and strengthen the United States' global position. C) Civilizing Mission: to bring American values and institutions to the territories and uplift the local populations. D) Manifest Destiny: to fulfill the perceived destiny of the United States to expand its influence and control over new territories.
