The main grievance of the colonists leading up to the Revolution was
that Britain was taxing them too heavily. Less taxation would have led
to less protest, which could have inevitably led to the colonies staying
under British possession.
At this time colonies were viewed as a major factor in determining a nations power internationally and also an engine for economic growth in a mercantilist system. Therefore, arguments in favor of U.S. Imperialism would have been fueled by the power struggle with European nations to exert global influence and dominance. Another major factor that individuals would have argued for was that colonies would have provided new markets and sources for raw materials for the growing US economy. In the end the U.S. did not become a major imperial power which most likely served the nation's power and reputation in the long run.
I believe the answer would be: C. Custer and his force arrived ahead of the main U.S. force.