Which territories did U.S. Presidents Polk and Pierce attempt to purchase?

The correct answer is Cuba, as Presidents James K. Polk and Franklin Pierce were notably interested in acquiring this territory during their administrations in the mid-19th century.

In the context of this period, both Polk and Pierce were driven by the doctrine of Manifest Destiny, which held that the United States was destined to expand across North America. The strategic and economic advantages of Cuba, located just south of Florida, made it a prime target for American expansionism.

Polk, who served from 1845 to 1849, explored the possibility of purchasing Cuba but was unable to secure a deal. Franklin Pierce’s administration (1853-1857) also made attempts to negotiate for the island, including a secret plan known as the Ostend Manifesto in 1854, which suggested that if Spain refused to sell Cuba, the U.S. should consider taking it by force.

Other territories mentioned in the options do not reflect significant purchases attempted by these presidents. Hawaii was not sought after in this period for purchase, as it was annexed later in 1898. Puerto Rico was acquired as a result of the Spanish-American War in 1898, long after the presidencies of Polk and Pierce. San Juan is the capital of