Annexing Hawaii and Alaska

U.S. became interested in the Hawaiian Islands as a way station and provisioning point for shippers and sailors. Some who stopped there settled and began to grow sugar. In the late 1800’s the U.S. began to sign trade agreements with Hawaii, Queen Lil wanted America out of Hawaii, America made steps to overtake Hawaii and make it a state. On March 30, 1867 Secretary of State William H. Seward agreed to purchase Alaska from Russia for 7.2 million dollars. At the time critics thought Seward was crazy and called the deal “Seward’s folly.” Seward was laughed at for purchasing Alaska.