Why was the u. s. annexation of hawaii delayed until william mckinley became president? a: the rebels who overthrew queen liliuokalani opposed u. s. annexation. b: the senate did not approve the treaty of annexation until mckinley entered the white house. c: supporters of the nationalist cause were in the majority in hawaii until 1898. d: mckinley’s predecessor, grover cleveland, refused to sign the treaty of annexation.