The U.S. Annexation of Hawaii: A Strategic Move
Why did the U.S. want control of Hawaii?
The U.S. wanted control of Hawaii because:
A. Hawaii was the perfect location for a U.S. refueling station in the Pacific.
B. Hawaii was causing problems between the U.S. and Asia by blocking trade routes.
C. All of these choices are correct.
D. Hawaii was trying to stage a coup against the U.S.
Answer:
U.S. military leaders feared potential Japanese occupation of the islands and created a strategic naval base in the center of the Pacific. This provided enough fuel in Congress to pass annexation legislation, in order to save themselves from the perceived "threat of the Asiatics." Hawaii was annexed in 1898.
The U.S. wanted control of Hawaii for strategic and military reasons. Hawaii's location in the Pacific made it a prime spot for a U.S. refueling station, allowing the U.S. Navy to have a strong presence in the region. Additionally, Hawaii's proximity to Asia posed a potential threat if the islands fell under Japanese control, which was a major concern for U.S. military leaders at the time.
The fear of a Japanese occupation of Hawaii led to the push for annexation in order to prevent this scenario from happening. By annexing Hawaii in 1898, the U.S. secured a strategic naval base that played a crucial role in maintaining American interests in the Pacific region.
In conclusion, the U.S. annexation of Hawaii was a strategic move to protect American interests and ensure control over a key location in the Pacific. The concerns over Japanese influence and the need for a refueling station were primary factors that drove the decision to annex Hawaii.