Question

In what ways was the U.S. justified in annexing Hawaii?

Answer 1

The U.S. justified annexing Hawaii due to the American community in Hawaii, the threat to profits of American plantation owners, and Hawaii's strategic location in the Pacific.

Step-by-step explanation:

The U.S. justified annexing Hawaii by using several justifications. First, the American community in Hawaii owned land and grew sugar for export to the United States. The new tariff passed by the U.S. Congress in 1890 threatened the profits of American plantation owners, and annexing Hawaii would eliminate the taxes on Hawaiian sugar. Furthermore, Hawaii's strategic location in the Pacific and its importance in protecting American trade and military interests also played a role in justifying annexation.