What was the purpose of NAFTA in late 20th-century reforms?

• A. Promote Free Trade Among the United States, Canada, and Mexico
• B. Create a Universal Healthcare System
• C. End All Tariffs Unilaterally
• D. Expand Welfare Programs

Answer: (A)

NAFTA was created to integrate the economies of the United States, Canada, and Mexico by reducing barriers to trade and investment among them. The idea was to make it easier and cheaper to move goods and services across borders, primarily by phasing out most tariffs and setting common rules for trade, investment, and dispute resolution. This kind of regional free-trade framework reflects late 20th-century reform trends that emphasized globalization and economic integration. The other options aren’t aligned with NAFTA’s purpose: it wasn’t about universal healthcare, it didn’t end all tariffs unilaterally (tariffs were phased out through negotiated timelines), and it didn’t aim to expand welfare programs.