Final answer:
The US annexed Hawaii in 1898 for economic reasons, mainly the sugar industry, and for strategic military and commercial purposes. Opposition from Native Hawaiians was overpowered. Hawaii's path to statehood began with territorial status, reflecting US expansionism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The United States had several imperialist motives for the annexation of Hawaii in 1898. Primarily, the American interest in Hawaii was economic, with the US businesses deeply invested in the lucrative sugar industry. With the 1890 tariff making Hawaiian sugar expensive, annexation would eliminate this tax, profiting American planters. Strategically, Hawaii's location was ideal for a military and commercial outpost, serving as a mid-point between the US mainland and other Pacific possessions like Samoa and the future Philippines conquest. Additionally, the annexation reflected the broader trend of US expansionism, mirroring earlier continental conquests and acquisitions.
Political factors also played a role. The overthrow of Queen Lili’uokalani was precipitated by American settlers who, fearing loss of economic and political power, forced the Queen to abdicate. Following the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, Hawaii's strategic importance was magnified, and the United States government, led by President McKinley, secured its annexation through a resolution.
Opposition from Native Hawaiians was significant but ultimately futile given the military strength and political maneuvers by the US. Hawaii was then on a path to eventual statehood, which it achieved in 1959. Its unique territorial constitution, implemented in 1900, placed severe restrictions on voting rights, reflecting its imperialist roots.