Final answer:
The United States first settled in Hawaii through businessmen engaged in the sugar industry. The overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani in 1893 by Americans led to the republic and annexation of Hawaii by the U.S. in 1898. Hawaii later became a state in 1959 following a favorable referendum on statehood.
Step-by-step explanation:
Annexation of Hawaii
The first significant groups from the United States to settle in the Hawaiian Islands were American businessmen and planters interested in the sugar industry. American involvement in Hawaii began to increase significantly in the 19th century, culminating with the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. In 1893, a group of American businessmen, with the support of the U.S. Minister to Hawaii and armed forces, staged a coup against Queen Liliuokalani, leading to the establishment of a provisional government and subsequently the Republic of Hawaii with Sanford B. Dole as president.
The strategic importance of Hawaii was recognized during the Spanish-American War, leading the U.S. to annex Hawaii in 1898. This decision was influenced by the islands' location between the Philippines and the anticipated Central American canal. Hawaii's path to statehood began when it was given territorial status in 1900, and the residents were granted full American citizenship. Eventually, Hawaii became a U.S. state in 1959 after a significant majority voted in favor of statehood.