A common goal of Spanish and British explorers in the Southeastern region of North America was to discover gold.
European powers knew that many territories in North America had an immense amount of natural resources and raw materials that could benefit their respective monarchies.
Spaniards had found precious metals such as gold in the region of Peru in South America and Tenochtitlan, the capital city of the Aztec Empire. So when exploring the Southeastern region of North America, Spanish and English explorers tried to find as many raw materials and of course, gold, to take them to their native countries. They specifically were looking for gold and the mysterious city of Cibola.
Kennedy also made it plain that he supported the 'Domino Theory' and he was convinced that if South Vietnam fell to communism, then other states in the region would as a consequence. They believed that just a small increase in US support for Diem would ensure success in Vietnam.
