Question

which of the following was not a means by which the united states hoped to break the hawaiian governments resolve against annexation? 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 by spreading rumors of the poor quality of hawaiian products to affect the value by encouraging the production of sugar, necessitating access to overseas markets

Explanation:

• The United States used high tariffs on foreign sugar (to make annexation seem beneficial), spreading rumors (to affect product value), and encouraging sugar production (to need overseas markets) as means against the Hawaiian government.
• A reciprocity treaty that lowers tariffs would not be a means to break the Hawaiian government's resolve against annexation as it would be more of a cooperative or less - coercive measure compared to the other options.

Answer:

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