Question

In 1893, Hawaii became a protectorate of the US after _______
A. King Kalakaua felt it would lead to reforms in Hawaii that would benefit Native Hawaiians.
B. A Spanish invasion was believed to be imminent.
C. Native Hawaiians voted to formally ask for annexation.
D. Grover Clevel sent in troops to stop a rebellion by angry native Hawaiians.
E. Business leaders were worried with the queen ascending the throne as she refused to acknowledge the constitution.

Answer 1

Hint: late 1890s, after establishing a naval port in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii US, the sugar industry growth increased. Later on, Queen Liliuokalani ascended the throne and refused to accept the constitution through which American investors invested in the sugar industry. Hence, American sugar industrialists’ interests were being affected.

Complete answer:
 In 1893, Hawaii became a protectorate of the US after business leaders were worried with the queen ascending the throne as she refused to acknowledge the constitution.

Hence, the correct answer is option (E).

Additional information:As a result of the monarchy of Queen Liliuokalani a coup of a group of American sugar planters with the aid of US ministers and some Americans occurred to protect their economic interests. In January 1893, Sanford B. Dole organized a ‘Committee of Safety’. In July 1898, US Congress passed a resolution authorizing its annexation of the Republic of Hawaii, and later on, Hawaii became a US territory. In 1900, Congress approved the Hawaiian Organic Act. Hawaiian people for the former annexation without their consent at that time also informally know it as an Apology Resolution. The Hawaii islands were placed under martial law during World War 2. Hence, a military governor was appointed.

Note:Hawaii was an important strategic location for the US from the point of view of the Spanish-American War. Therefore, America was having a keen interest to have Hawaii under its protectorate. In 1959, the Hawaiian Admission Act was passed by US Congress and signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. After some months, a plebiscite for Hawaiian to vote in favor of the statehood bill, and they overwhelmingly voted in favor of the bill. Consequently, it became the 50th State of the USA.