Why did America want a quick route to the Pacific?

Bonus question: according to wikipedia, in chinese philosophy yin and yang "describes how seemingly opposite or contrary forces may actually be complementary, interconnected, and interdependent." what are some examples from the story that amy tan may have intentionally incorporated elements of yin and yang philosophy into this story? select 2.

Lots of points: economics: financial institutions that are created only to make personal and business loans are a. banks b. credit unions c. savings and loans d. finance companies

During the period from 1865 to 1898 how did the political/economic elite contain the demands of farmers and laborers for economic justice