Why did the united states look to the pacific for new markets

Factors like water source, trade routes, connectivity and location are some of the most important factors determining the trade.
The US faced and opened to the pacific as new market or trading areas because of:
1. Resources. One is resources and its availability is one crucial factor. 
2. Cost. Pay is much lesser and human resource is high

Upon the fall of rome, europe ceased being influenced by the cultures of the mediterranean coast and was more influenced by germanic tribal confederations that had already taken over vast swathes of roman territory, although the influence of rome on the former empire was very strong in legal