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Economic interests played a significant role in US involvement in Hawaii, Alaska, and Panama:
1. Hawaii:
- Economic interests, particularly in the sugar industry, motivated the US involvement in Hawaii.
- American plantation owners in Hawaii sought to expand their sugar business and profit from the fertile lands.
- The economic potential of Hawaii as a strategic location for trade and naval operations in the Pacific Ocean influenced the US to annex Hawaii in 1898.
2. Alaska:
- Economic interests in the form of natural resources like fur, timber, and later gold, were key factors in US involvement in Alaska.
- The Alaska Purchase of 1867 from Russia was driven by the desire to access the region's valuable resources for economic gain.
- The discovery of gold in the late 19th century further solidified Alaska's importance for economic development.
3. Panama:
- Economic interests, specifically in constructing and controlling the Panama Canal, were pivotal in US involvement in Panama.
- The US supported Panama's independence from Colombia in 1903 to secure rights to build the canal.
- The Panama Canal facilitated faster maritime trade routes between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, benefiting US economic interests by reducing travel time and costs.
In conclusion, economic interests, ranging from agricultural ventures to resource extraction and trade routes, were significant driving forces behind US involvement in Hawaii, Alaska, and Panama.
