The advantages were Asian markets, but the United States would have to maneuver for access to these markets. Years before 1890, the United States removed a barrier while gaining valuable ports through the purchase of the Alaska Territory from the Russians (Tindall and Shi, 2013). The United States' next target would be the Hawaiian island chain, but these were already under control. Some agreements with Hawaii provided an economic boost to sugar planters but led to suffering for the original inhabitants (Tindall and Shi, 2013). Between 1885 and 1891, the United States manipulated the Hawaiian government into losing more and more control (Tindall & Shi, 2013). Finally, in 1898, Hawaii was annexed by the United States and had a huge open door to the world.