The Hawaiian Annexation refers to the process by which the United States acquired the islands of Hawaii in the late 19th century. Initially, Hawaii was an independent kingdom, but American business interests, particularly in sugar, played a significant role in its political landscape. In 1893, a group of American planters overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy, leading to the establishment of a provisional government. In 1898, the U.S. formally annexed Hawaii through the Newlands Resolution. This decision was influenced by strategic interests, especially during the Spanish-American War, as Hawaii's location was seen as vital for military and commercial purposes. Hawaii eventually became the 50th state of the United States in 1959.