America's Acquisition of Hawaii: A Story of Power and Influence

How did the United States come to annex Hawaii?

Was the annexation a result of economic interests or political maneuvers?

Answer:

The United States annexed Hawaii after American investors secured economic control and a naval base at Pearl Harbor. Queen Liliuokalani's attempts to restore Hawaiian sovereignty led to her overthrow by American interests, and despite President Cleveland's initial resistance, the annexation was completed in 1898.

Explanation: The annexation of Hawaii was a complex process that involved a mix of economic interests and political maneuvering. American investors gained significant economic power in Hawaii by lobbying Congress to remove tariffs on sugar exports and securing a strategic naval base at Pearl Harbor. These economic interests were intertwined with political motivations, as Queen Liliuokalani's efforts to resist American influence and restore power to native Hawaiians threatened the dominant American presence in the islands.

Ultimately, the annexation of Hawaii was driven by a combination of economic control and political influence. The power dynamics at play in Hawaii during that time period highlight the intersection of economic interests and political power in shaping the history of nations.