Was the United States justified in their imperialistic policies of the late 1800s and early 1900s?

Of course, this is simply a matter of opinion.  And it
must be said that it is a complex question as well since the US undertook imperialism in
a wide variety of areas, from Latin America all the way out to the
Philippines.

I would tend to say that yes, the United
States was justified.  I have two general reasons for saying
this.

First, if the US had not been imperialistic, the
places it took would not have remained free (in my opinion).  For example, if the US had
not annexed Hawaii, it seems likely that the British would have.  Or if the US had
allowed the Philippines to become independent, it seems likely that some other country
would have taken those islands.  So it is not as if only the US stood between various
areas and their freedom.

Second, although it is not
"correct" to say so, I think that many of these areas were not really ready for self
government.  (I am of Filipino descent so I think I should be exempted from charges of
racism when I say this.)  If the US had left these countries alone, would the lives of
their people have been better?  It seems unlikely to me.  So I do not believe that the
US hurt these countries by acting imperialistically.