- Economic Benefits: Lodge believed that colonies would provide access to new markets and raw materials, which would boost the US economy and create jobs.
- National Prestige: Lodge believed that acquiring overseas colonies would increase the prestige and influence of the United States in the world, and make it a more powerful player on the global stage.
- Spreading Democracy: Lodge believed that the United States had a duty to spread democracy and civilization to other parts of the world, and that acquiring colonies was one way to achieve this goal.
- Defending National Security: Lodge believed that acquiring colonies would help to defend the United States from potential enemies and protect its interests in the Western Hemisphere.
- Racial Superiority: Lodge was also influenced by the prevailing racist beliefs of the time, which held that white Americans were superior to other races and therefore had a right to control and dominate them.