Question

multiple choice question
which response best summarizes the process by which hawaii became part of the united states?
to prevent future conflicts, american, hawaiian, and british representatives worked out an arrangement agreeable to all.
to ensure favorable tax outcomes, wealthy planters worked to undermine the will of the hawaiian people and secure annexation.
to guarantee quasi - independence, hawaiis queen agreed to annexation in exchange for the ability to control the government of the island.
to secure a strategic base, the american navy forced native hawaiians to accept u.s. authority.

Explanation:

• The first option is incorrect as there was no such tri - party agreement for annexation.
• The second option is correct. Wealthy American sugar planters in Hawaii, concerned about tariffs (especially the McKinley Tariff which removed duty - free status for Hawaiian sugar in the US market), overthrew Queen Liliuokalani (who wanted to restore Hawaiian sovereignty) with the help of US marines (though the US government initially had a more complex stance, but the planters' actions were driven by economic interests related to tax - like tariff issues).
• The third option is wrong. Queen Liliuokalani did not agree to annexation in exchange for control. She was against annexation.
• The fourth option is incorrect. While the US Navy had a presence and influence, it was more of a combination of economic (planters) and political (some US officials) maneuvering rather than just the Navy forcing annexation.

Answer:

To ensure favorable tax outcomes, wealthy planters worked to undermine the will of the Hawaiian people and secure annexation.