During early exploration, European countries were interested in finding gold because it meant a. increased power and wealth for the nation.
b. they didn't have to pay the explorers for their travels.
C. they could lower taxes.
d. they could use the gold to help spread Catholicism, by paying for missionaries and churches,
and helping to bribe the Native Americans.

a. increased power and wealth for the nation.

Explanation:

answer; (a) he was a u.s senator for 38 years;

b. major john c. frémont led a rebellion called the bear flag revolt.

explanation:

during the bear flag revolt, from june to july 1846, a small group of american settlers in california rebelled against the mexican government and proclaimed california an independent republic. the republic was short-lived because soon after the bear flag was raised, the u.s. military began occupying california, which went on to join the union in 1850. the bear flag became the official state flag in 1911.