Why was there a need for expansion into the pacific ocean? a. steamships needed a place to refuel. b. small tribes were in constant need of care. c. governments were fighting for control of the ocean. d. governor roosevelt felt the time was right.

A--needing a place for steamships to refuel: the push came from the need for a modern navy to support the economic interests in Asia. 

Alfred Mahan's book on sea power convinced the US government a modern navy was needed. To create a large fleet, the US needed ports on islands throughout the Pacific to refuel and rest ships. These parts were provided as trade deals, protection, or takeover of the land.