Answer:
Firstly, there was a desire for economic growth and expansion. Many American businesses believed that they could benefit from access to new markets and resources abroad, so they advocated for imperialism as a way to achieve those goals.
Secondly, there was a sense of cultural superiority among many Americans at the time. They believed that American culture and values were superior to those of other nations, and saw imperialism as a way to spread American ideals around the world.
Finally, there was a fear of falling behind other European powers who were rapidly expanding their empires. Many Americans believed that if the United States did not also engage in imperialism, it would be left behind and lose its status as a major world power.
Overall, these factors all contributed to American imperialism between 1885 and 1917.