What was the main economic interest of the U.S. in Hawaii during the imperialist period?

The primary economic interest of the United States in Hawaii during the imperialist period was indeed focused on pineapple and sugar production. In the late 19th century, Hawaii became a crucial location for cultivating sugarcane, which was in high demand due to the U.S. market's insatiable appetite for sugar. American planters, who established large sugar plantations, played a significant role in the economy of Hawaii, and they sought to increase their profits through various means, including annexation and favorable tariffs.

The U.S. eventually eliminated tariffs on imported sugar from Hawaii, which further incentivized American investment in the islands and solidified Hawaii's agricultural ties to the mainland. This economic dependency facilitated the push for annexation, allowing American interests to benefit from a steady and advantageous supply of sugar, which contributed significantly to Hawaii's economic landscape.

This focus on sugar and pineapple production underscores how American expansionist policies were often driven by economic interests, leading to the annexation of Hawaii in 1898 and its eventual statehood.