Because spanish held such a dominant presence in the americans, portugal focused on

b

explanation:

the triple alliance. germany and austria-hungary were already allies by 1879 when, worried about a threat from russia, they formed the dual alliance. italy joined the group in 1882. there was a concern about a possible attack from france and the alliance needed powerful friends to defend it.

the

explanation:

small european communities with shared traditions consolidated into large new states (apex)