Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practice Question 168: Answer and Explanation

Question: 168

In 1812, U.S. president James Madison declared war on the British Empire. There was a variety of reasons for the declaration: British-U.S. relations were strained by England's attempts to thwart international trade between the U.S. and France-with whom the British were already at war-and on several occasions the Royal Navy had endeavored to conscript American sailors by force. However, perhaps no cause for war was more compelling in the U.S. than the desire to expand the nation into the northern territories of modern-day Ontario and modern-day Quebec, which were still British colonies at the time.

It can be reasonably inferred that the author of the text would argue that the most significant motivation for U.S. citizens who wanted to go to war with Canada in the early 1800s was

  • A. vengeance towards the British.
  • B. territorial ambitions.
  • C. the continued capture of American sailors.
  • D. defense against Native American incursions.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

(B) The text provides provide the evidence for this choice, stating that "no cause for war was more compelling in the U.S. than the desire to expand the nation into the northern territories." While the other options would motivate U.S. citizens to fight against the British, they do not represent the "most significant" motivation to do so.

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