Why was the Philippines considered strategically important for U.S. expansion?

The Philippines was considered strategically important for U.S. expansion primarily because it provided a gateway to Asian markets. The geographical positioning of the Philippines allowed the United States to establish a foothold in Asia, facilitating trade and commerce with countries like China and Japan, which were seen as significant markets for American goods.

After the Spanish-American War, controlling the Philippines enabled the U.S. to project its power and influence in the region and access the lucrative markets of East Asia more directly. This strategy aligned with the broader goals of American imperialism during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as the U.S. sought to expand its economic interests abroad and compete globally, particularly with other colonial powers.

While the other choices highlight certain benefits of the Philippines, such as potential natural resources and military advantages, they do not capture the primary rationale behind the U.S. interest in establishing a strong presence in the Philippines in the context of broader economic expansion and access to Asian trade routes.