Final answer:
U.S. imperialism was motivated by the search for natural resources and new markets, a belief in American cultural superiority, and competition with European powers for global dominance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The factors that drove the U.S. practice of imperialism include a desire for natural resources and new markets to sell goods, the belief in the superiority of U.S. values and principles, and competition with European nations for international influence and prestige.
These motivations align with the historical context of the 19th century when the U.S. and European countries were actively expanding their empires to secure political, cultural, and economic domination. The quest for natural resources was critical for fueling the industrial boom, markets were needed for the increasing production, and the U.S. believed that its form of government and values should be spread to 'civilize' other parts of the world. Additionally, the U.S. aimed to match and surpass the influence of European empires.