Question

which of the following was not a means by which the united states hoped to break the hawaiian governments resolve against annexation?
by encouraging the production of sugar, necessitating access to overseas markets
by spreading rumors of the poor quality of hawaiian products to affect the value
by instituting high tariffs on foreign sugar, making annexation seem like a benefit
by negotiating a reciprocity treaty with the hawaiians that would lower the tariff

Explanation:

The United States aimed to break the Hawaiian government's resolve against annexation through various means. Resolving the overproduction of sugar and needing access to overseas markets (option 1) was a factor as it created an economic incentive for annexation. Spreading rumors about the poor quality of Hawaiian products (option 2) could harm the Hawaiian economy and make annexation seem more appealing. Instituting high tariffs on foreign sugar (option 3) made annexation look like a benefit for the sugar - related interests. However, negotiating a reciprocity treaty that would lower the tariff (option 4) would not break the Hawaiian government's resolve against annexation. Instead, it might have been a more amicable trade - related agreement and not a means to force annexation.

Answer:

by negotiating a reciprocity treaty with the Hawaiians that would lower the tariff