In terms of economy, the profit motive refers to the motivation that the firms have to work to maximize their profits.
The mainstream microeconomic theory proposes that the most important goal related to a business is to make money. According to this, businesses' purpose is to benefit themselves as well as their shareholders through the fact of maximizing profits. Profit motive has been considered an ideology in aspects that are different from the economy.
The Mexican military attacked the American forces stationed in Texas. President Polk's declaration of war stated that Mexico, "invaded our territory, and shed American blood upon American soil".