Title: Why was the territory of Hawaii an ideal acquisition for the US? - eNotes.com
Headings: Why was the territory of Hawaii an ideal acquisition for the US?
Annexation of Hawaii
Why was the territory of Hawaii an ideal acquisition for the US?
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Content: The United States was trying to become a world power at this time. Acquiring Hawaii would give us a presence in the Pacific Ocean. It would allow us to use Hawaii as a base from which we could station our navy and protect our trade. Hawaii could also be used as a military base in case of war. The United States also had an economic interest in Hawaii. The sugar trade was very profitable for American sugar growers in Hawaii. When the Queen tried to reduce American influence in Hawaii, the sugar trade was threatened. The McKinley Tariff also hurt the Hawaiian sugar trade. After the Queen gave up power as a result of an uprising by the planters, American sugar growers in Hawaii wanted the United States to annex Hawaii so they could benefit from the favorable terms of the McKinley Tariff. This wouldn’t happen if the United States didn’t annex Hawaii.