Question

read the excerpt and answer the question below.
incidental to our tenure in the philippines is the commercial opportunity to which american statesmanship cannot be indifferent. it is just to use every legitimate means for the encouragement of american trade; but we seek no advantages in the orient which are not common to all.
-president william mckinley, 1898
source: mount holyoke college
which phrase best describes the motivation discussed in this excerpt?
the desire to open new markets for trade
the need to create a military alliance with spain
the plan to expand territorial holdings throughout asia
the belief that commercial interests would prevent wars

Explanation:

The text emphasizes commercial opportunity and using legitimate means for American trade, with no mention of military alliance (Spain not relevant here), territorial expansion (focus on trade), or belief about commercial interests through war. The key is on trade, so "the desire to open new markets for trade" fits.

Answer:

the desire to open new markets for trade