Why did the u. s. typically support one side over another?

the answer is: must pay taxes on profits

since it is considered as a part of your income, profits from investments is eligible for tax payment.

the tax from your investment could be influenced by how long you decided to sell it. united states promotes keeping your investment for long term period. so, the tax rate for investments that you sell in less than one year is typically higher compared to investments that you sell in more than one year period.

b) they want the land taken away from the wealthy landowners and given to peasants.