Final answer:
The US naval base at Pearl Harbor was established in 1887 as part of an agreement between the US and the Kingdom of Hawaii, allowing Hawaiian sugar to enter the US tax-free in exchange for the naval base establishment. Option C.
Step-by-step explanation:
The US naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii was established in 1887 when the United States and the Hawaiian Kingdom reached an agreement.
In exchange for allowing Hawaiian sugar to enter the continental US tax-free, the US was granted the right to establish a naval base at Pearl Harbor.
This strategic military positioning was pivotal as Hawaii was known as the "Crossroads of the Pacific" and served as a significant port for shipping as well as a potential guardian of any Central American canal approaches.
The naval base at Pearl Harbor became globally recognized following the surprise attack by the Japanese Navy on December 7, 1941.
This attack led to the United States' entry into World War II and is a notable historical event for the significant loss of life and damage to the US Pacific Fleet.
However, the base itself was established much earlier, making option C the correct answer: In 1887, in exchange for the US allowing Hawaiian sugar to enter the continental US tax-free.
Hence, the right answer is option C.