Before the USS Maine exploded, the United States was trying to expand as a world power. Thus, many Americans blamed Spain for the explosion of the USS Maine because it gave them a reason to declare war on Spain and take control of Spanish territory in the Pacific and Caribbean. 
        
             
        
        
        
Free land (well they had to pay like 10 cents), and gold (the gold rush).
        
                    
             
        
        
        
The answer is: 15ºN, 44ºE
        
                    
             
        
        
        
Erie Canal was built as a result of De Witt Clinton's plan to connect rivers.