Question

Which of the following was not a factor that made Hawaii a desirable territory for America to take control of?


The islands could be used as a coaling station, allowing ships to refuel on their way to Asia and other locations in the Pacific


The islands would allow for easier trade and business in Asia


The islands could be used as a naval base providing both offensive and defensive advantages


Traveling to Hawaii was inexpensive


America would want to prevent other nations from gaining control of the islands in order to protect its interest in the Pacific

Answer 1

"Traveling to Hawaii was inexpensive" — that was not a factor. Travel to Hawaii in the 19th century required long sea voyages (and later coal-burning steamships), so it was neither cheap nor quick. The other choices — coaling station, easier trade with Asia, naval base value, and preventing other powers from taking the islands — were all important reasons the U.S. sought control of Hawaii.