Why did the US seek to build a colonial empire during the late 19th and early 2oth centuries?

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the United States sought to build a colonial empire driven by a combination of economic interests, the desire for global influence, and a sense of nationalistic pride. The industrial revolution had created a need for new markets and raw materials, prompting expansion into territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. Additionally, the prevailing belief in Manifest Destiny and the civilizing mission fueled the justification for American Imperialism, as many viewed it as a responsibility to spread democracy and civilization. This period marked a shift from isolationism to a more assertive foreign policy, reflecting America's emerging status as a global power.