What was the us doing in Hawaii and Samoa in 1840 - 1860?

Answer 1

Between 1840 and 1860, the United States was increasingly involved in Hawaii and Samoa due to strategic, economic, and cultural interests. In Hawaii, American missionaries and traders established a significant presence, influencing local society and politics, while also advocating for the islands' annexation. In Samoa, the U.S. sought to secure trade routes and establish coaling stations for naval ships, leading to diplomatic engagements with both local leaders and other colonial powers. This period set the stage for future U.S. territorial expansion in the Pacific.