The cultivation and processing of sugar played a significant role in the incorporation of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Hawaii into the US economy. Here is a brief description of how this happened:
- Cuba: In the late 19th century, Cuba was a major producer of sugar, and US businesses had significant investments in the Cuban sugar industry. The US government was concerned about protecting these investments and maintaining access to Cuban sugar, which led to the Spanish-American War in 1898. The US emerged victorious and Cuba became a protectorate of the US until 1902, when it gained nominal independence. However, the US retained significant influence over Cuba's economy and politics, including control over its sugar industry.
- Puerto Rico: Like Cuba, Puerto Rico was also a major producer of sugar, and US businesses had significant investments in the Puerto Rican sugar industry. After the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico became a US territory, and the US government used its authority to restructure the island's economy around sugar production. This led to the growth of large US-owned sugar plantations, which dominated the island's economy until the mid-20th century.
- Mexico: Mexico has a long history of sugar production, dating back to the colonial era. However, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, US businesses began investing in Mexico's sugar industry, building large plantations and mills. This led to tensions between US and Mexican sugar producers, as well as conflicts over labor rights and land ownership. Despite these tensions, the US remained a major buyer of Mexican sugar, and the two countries continue to have a close economic relationship today.
- Hawaii: Sugar production was the mainstay of Hawaii's economy for much of the 19th and early 20th centuries. US businesses were heavily invested in the Hawaiian sugar industry, and the US government supported the annexation of Hawaii in 1898 in part to protect these investments. After annexation, the US government encouraged the growth of large US-owned sugar plantations, which dominated the Hawaiian economy until the mid-20th century.
Overall, the cultivation and processing of sugar played a major role in shaping the economic relationships between the US and these four regions. The US government and US businesses invested heavily in these regions' sugar industries, and in many cases used their economic influence to shape these industries to their advantage.