Final answer:
The cause of U.S. Imperialism towards Hawaii was driven by economic interests in the sugar industry and strategic military considerations, such as the acquisition of Pearl Harbor. The imposition of tariffs on sugar and the push for sovereignty by Queen Liliuokalani led to an armed revolt by American businessmen, resulting in the annexation of Hawaii.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cause of U.S. Imperialism towards Hawaii was largely economic, rooted in the interests of American sugar planters and strategically placed naval bases such as Pearl Harbor. Initially, the Hawaiian economy thrived as sugar exports to the United States increased, benefitting from tariff-free trade agreements. However, the imposition of new tariffs in 1890, pushed by the global expansion of the sugar industry, threatened American planters' profits and sparked a crisis for the Hawaiian sugar industry.
Queen Liliuokalani's ascension to the Hawaiian throne in 1891 marked an effect of rising anti-American sentiment. Seeking to restore Hawaiian sovereignty and limit the political power of American businessmen, she proposed a new constitution. This exacerbated the tension between native Hawaiians and American settlers and eventually led to an armed revolt by American interests and annexation by the United States.
The annexation of Hawaii served as a stepping stone for the United States in establishing a presence in the Pacific, marking a transition from continental expansion to overseas imperialism. This included various territories acquired through conquest, diplomacy, and deceit, drawing parallels with the imperialistic acquisition of lands from Native Americans and parts of Mexico earlier in the 19th century. The geopolitical importance of Hawaii and the economic dependency on the U.S. market were the pivotal factors leading to its annexation in 1898.