Question

What was the PRIMARY reason the United States was interested in acquiring Hawaii in the 1800s?

Answer 1

Answer:

Business Interests is the correct answer.

Explanation:

During 1830's American leaders were afraid that Hawaii would fall in hands of a European power when Britain and France both forced Hawaii to accept treaties.  Alarmed by this american leaders signed Treaty of Friendship with Hawaii in 1849.  Soon Hawaii became a provisioning spot for American whaling ships  and sugar plantation. The Hawaiian economy became more integrated when the two signed 1875 trade exchange treaty and the white Americans began to dominate Hawaiin economy and politics.  But when the Us government introduced McKinley Tariff, it raised the import rates on foreign sugar. Most of the  sugar planters knew that if Hawaii is annexed by US the the tariff issue would vanish. The planters staged an uprising and force that Queen to abdicate. It was formally annexed when the war broke out with Spain and the islands became significant for the US navy. A joint resolution was signed by president William McKinley.