The correct answer is prevent communism from spreading to any additional territories.
The Cold War was an time period in which the United States and Soviet Union competed for global influence and power. At this time, the US was worried about the spreading of the Soviet Union and their power due to their communism system. The federal government felt that communism restricted individuals civil liberties and economic freedoms. This is why the US adpoted the policy of containment.
Containment was focused on stopping the spread of communism to other countries and territories around the world.
One of the main reasons why New England merchants became leading members of society is because they were able to accumulate large amounts of wealth, due to the fact that trade was quite profitable during this time.
The main speaker for the event was Edward Everett NOT AB LINCON
By pressuring him to take a stand on slavery