Question

Please note where Hawaii is located and the distances in miles to other locations including California which is in the Continental United States. Hawaii was annexed (taken over) by the United States against the will of the Hawaiians and the Hawaiian royalty King Kalakaua and later Queen Liliuokalani. Why would the United States want, using expansionist policies, to take control of these islands located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean? (U10.3 and Unit 8-10 EOC Study Notes) TEKS - 4(B) (1 point) Responses The United States congress did not see any potential in having control of the islands since they were located so far from the mainland states. The United States congress did not see any potential in having control of the islands since they were located so far from the mainland states. Many people felt the Hawaiians needed to receive protection from a larger country like the United States. They were in favor of taking the islands over in order to keep the Hawaiians safe and to preserve the rich Hawaiian culture. Many people felt the Hawaiians needed to receive protection from a larger country like the United States. They were in favor of taking the islands over in order to keep the Hawaiians safe and to preserve the rich Hawaiian culture. The islands had rich land perfect for growing pineapples and sugar cane. Their Pacific Ocean location also offered a place to refuel, resupply ships, and was a great place for the military to build bases in case of conflict with countries in Asia. The islands had rich land perfect for growing pineapples and sugar cane. Their Pacific Ocean location also offered a place to refuel, resupply ships, and was a great place for the military to build bases in case of conflict with countries in Asia. People thought the islands were beautiful, and they wanted control of them to keep tourism there cheap.

Answer 1

Hawaii is located in the central Pacific Ocean, approximately 2,400 miles away from California, which is on the continental United States. The distance from Hawaii to other significant locations includes:

• Hawaii to California: Approximately 2,400 miles
• Hawaii to Alaska: Approximately 2,000 miles
• Hawaii to Japan: Approximately 3,800 miles
• Hawaii to the Philippines: Approximately 5,100 miles

The annexation of Hawaii by the United States was driven by several factors related to expansionist policies:

1. Strategic Military Location: Hawaii's central location in the Pacific made it an ideal refueling and resupply station for naval ships. It served as a crucial military outpost, particularly during conflicts in Asia, which increased U.S. military presence and capabilities in the region.

2. Economic Opportunities: The islands had fertile land suitable for agriculture, especially for crops like sugar cane and pineapples. American businessmen had already invested heavily in these industries, and annexation would facilitate trade and economic growth for American interests.

3. Imperialist Views: Many Americans held expansionist views, believing that the U.S. should spread its influence and governance across the Pacific and other regions. Some viewed the annexation as a way to 'civilize' the native population and offer them protection, although this perspective often disregarded Hawaiian sovereignty and culture.

4. Tourism Potential: The natural beauty of Hawaii and its potential as a tourism destination also attracted interest. Control of Hawaii could lead to increased American tourism and investment, benefiting those who sought to capitalize on the islands’ resources and scenery.

Overall, while there may have been professed intentions to protect Hawaiian culture and people, the historical context reveals a combination of strategic, economic, and imperialist motives behind the U.S. annexation of Hawaii.