Why did the americas imperialize? (explain a little if you can)

First, the US got involved for economic reasons.  Americans feeled that taking places like Hawaii and the Philippines would give them new sources of  materials.  It would also give them brand new markets in which to sell their new goods.

Second is , Americans wanted to spread their way of life around the globe.  They felt that they were superior to other countries and that it would be good to bring things like democracy and (their form of) Christianity to other countries.

Finally, Americans wanted more military power.  Alfred Thayer Mahan had argued that sea power was vital to world power.  By taking an empire, the US enhanced its sea power by giving it bases around the world.

utilized the penal colony