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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 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. 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 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. People thought the islands were beautiful, and they wanted control of them to keep tourism there cheap

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Hawaii is located in the central Pacific Ocean, approximately 2,400 miles from California, which is located on the west coast of the continental United States. Its unique location makes it a strategic point in the Pacific, offering advantages for military and commercial activities.

Here are the approximate distances of Hawaii to other notable locations:

  • Hawaii to California: ~2,400 miles
  • Hawaii to Japan: ~3,800 miles
  • Hawaii to the Philippines: ~5,500 miles
  • Hawaii to Australia: ~5,100 miles

The annexation of Hawaii by the United States in 1898 was driven by several factors based on the expansionist policies of the time. Here are a few key reasons why the United States sought control over the Hawaiian Islands:

  1. Agricultural Products: Hawaii had rich soil and a favorable climate for growing cash crops, particularly sugarcane and pineapple, which were sought after in the American market.

  2. Strategic Military Location: The islands' central location in the Pacific made them an ideal refueling station for ships and a military base. This was particularly significant during the Spanish-American War and as tensions grew with countries in Asia.

  3. Economic Interests: U.S. businesses had significant investments in Hawaiian agriculture, and annexation was seen as a way to protect those interests and ensure stability in the region.

  4. Expansionist Ideology: The period known as Manifest Destiny encouraged the belief that the United States was destined to expand its territory across the Pacific, promoting the idea that U.S. control could bring "civilization" and "protection" to the Hawaiian people.

  5. Cultural Superiority Claims: Some proponents of annexation argued that they were protecting Hawaiians and preserving their culture, despite significant opposition from native Hawaiians and their royalty.

In summary, while annexation provided economic and strategic benefits for the U.S., it disregarded the desires of the native population, leading to significant historical and cultural implications.