In which year did the U.S. formally annex Hawaii?

The United States formally annexed Hawaii in 1898, which was a significant event in the context of American imperialism. The annexation was largely influenced by strategic military interests, particularly the establishment of a naval base at Pearl Harbor, as well as economic interests in the sugar industry. The push for annexation was also motivated by the desire to extend America's influence in the Pacific, especially in the wake of the Spanish-American War, during which the U.S. sought to assert itself as a global power.

The formal process was initiated by the Newlands Resolution, which was approved by Congress in July 1898. This event marked a pivotal moment in U.S. expansionism, as it incorporated Hawaii as a territory of the United States, eventually leading to its statehood in 1959. The timing and circumstances of the annexation reflect broader themes in U.S. history regarding territorial expansion and imperialism during the late 19th century.