The Harris Treaty was an agreement signed in 1850 between the United States and the Kingdom of Hawaii. Named after U.S. diplomat G. P. Judd Harris, the treaty aimed to establish trade relations and promote economic ties between the two nations. It allowed for the importation of American goods into Hawaii without tariffs, benefiting both economies. The treaty also included provisions for the protection of American interests in Hawaii, which was crucial for the growing American presence in the Pacific. This agreement marked a significant step in the expansion of U.S. influence in the region, paving the way for future political developments involving Hawaii.