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What are the reasons America conquered Hawaii?

1) Economic interests
2) Strategic military location
3) Desire for new territory
4) Cultural assimilation
5) All of the above

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The reasons behind America's conquest of Hawaii included economic interests, strategic military location, desire for new territory, and cultural assimilation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reasons behind America's conquest of Hawaii can be attributed to multiple factors:

  1. Economic interests: The American businessmen saw the lucrative sugar industry in Hawaii as an opportunity for profit, especially after the signing of reciprocal trade agreements in the 1870s and 1880s which allowed Hawaiian sugar to be sold in the US duty-free.
  2. Strategic military location: Hawaii's location in the Pacific made it appealing to naval strategists who valued its harbors. It was also positioned to guard any potential canal in Central America.
  3. Desire for new territory: Annexing Hawaii was part of America's larger goal to acquire overseas territories and expand its influence.
  4. Cultural assimilation: American settlers and business investors in Hawaii sought to assimilate the Hawaiian culture to align with American values and practices.

Therefore, the correct answer is 5) All of the above.

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