Question

Why did the United States acquire new lands such as Hawaii and Alaska?

Answer 1

The land of Alaska was bought from Russia and the purchase was called Seward's folly as it was thought ridiculous. 

Hawaii was a sovereign nation with its own monarchy but populated by Americans, particularly the pineapple owners, who wanted to be a part of America to avoid various import taxes etc. They forced the then king to sign, at gunpoint, a new constitution which disenfranchised many voters and then used economic and political strength to eventually end the monarchy and make Hawaii a part of the US, both were voted in as states in 1959

Answer 2

The land of Alaska was bought from Russia and the purchase was called Seward's folly as it was thought ridiculous. 

Hawaii was a soverign nation with its own monarchy but populated by Americans, particularly the pineapply owners, who wanted to be a part of America to avoid various import taxes etc. They forced the then king to sign, at gunpoint, a new constitution which disenfranchised many voters and then used economic and political strength to eventually end teh monarchy and make Hawaii a part of the US, both were voted in as states in 1959