Hawaii's annexation

Definition

Hawaii's annexation refers to the formal incorporation of the Hawaiian Islands into the United States in 1898, marking a significant moment in American expansionism and imperialism. This event was influenced by a mix of economic interests, military strategy, and the prevailing ideology of Manifest Destiny, reflecting America's growing desire to assert its influence across the Pacific region.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The annexation of Hawaii was officially ratified by Congress on July 7, 1898, through the Newlands Resolution.
2. Economic interests in sugar plantations played a crucial role in promoting American involvement in Hawaii, as tariffs on Hawaiian sugar had significantly impacted profits.
3. The strategic location of Hawaii was essential for U.S. military presence in the Pacific, especially during conflicts like the Spanish-American War.
4. Public sentiment in the U.S. was shaped by pro-annexation campaigns that portrayed annexation as beneficial for both Hawaiians and Americans.
5. The annexation was controversial and faced opposition from Native Hawaiians, many of whom viewed it as an illegal overthrow of their sovereign kingdom.

Review Questions

• How did economic interests contribute to Hawaii's annexation?
  • Economic interests were a driving force behind Hawaii's annexation, particularly due to the lucrative sugar industry. American planters in Hawaii sought to eliminate tariffs that were harming their profits, which made annexation appealing as it would grant them direct access to the U.S. market without tariffs. This economic motivation combined with political maneuvering led to increased pressure for annexation, highlighting how commerce can influence foreign policy.
• Discuss the impact of the Overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy on the path toward annexation.
  • The Overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy in 1893 set a critical precedent for Hawaii's eventual annexation. The removal of Queen Liliʻuokalani by American business interests created a power vacuum that facilitated the push for annexation. Once the monarchy was overthrown, American leaders viewed this as an opportunity to incorporate Hawaii into the United States without significant local resistance. This event underscored how internal political changes can align with external imperial ambitions.
• Evaluate how Hawaii's annexation reflects broader themes of American imperialism during the late 19th century.
  • Hawaii's annexation exemplifies key themes of American imperialism in the late 19th century, including economic expansion and strategic military positioning. The desire for new markets and resources drove U.S. interests abroad, while military needs highlighted by conflicts like the Spanish-American War demonstrated a shift towards assertive foreign policy. This case also illustrates the interplay between domestic interests and international ambitions, revealing how cultural beliefs such as Manifest Destiny influenced territorial expansion beyond continental borders.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny:

The 19th-century belief that it was the divine right and destiny of the United States to expand its territory across North America and beyond.

Overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy: The 1893 coup led by American business interests that resulted in the removal of Queen Liliʻuokalani from power, paving the way for annexation.

Spanish-American War:

The 1898 conflict between the United States and Spain, which heightened U.S. imperial ambitions and facilitated Hawaii's strategic significance in the Pacific.