Why did many americans want the united states to cuba gain independence from spain?
cuba was rich in natural resources, including gold and oil.
cuba would provide access to the pacific ocean through a narrow strait.
the united states had strong economic ties to cuba.
the majority of cubans expressed interest in becoming a us state.

The good answer is  "The U.S. had strong economic ties to Cuba."

Explanation:

U.S. investments totaled about $50 million toward the end of the 19th century. Bilateral trade was almost $100 million annually . Concerns about those economic interests was one of the main reasons for the United States to get involved in Cuba.

they made rome the dominant power in the mediterranean.

by 1880, germany had more rail lines than great britain and russia.