key term - Reciprocity Treaty

Definition

The Reciprocity Treaty was an agreement established in 1875 between the Kingdom of Hawaii and the United States that allowed for the duty-free importation of Hawaiian sugar into the U.S. This treaty significantly impacted Hawaii's economy by increasing sugar production and export, leading to greater economic reliance on the U.S. market and influencing social changes as well.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Reciprocity Treaty allowed Hawaiian sugar to enter the U.S. duty-free, dramatically increasing exports and leading to significant economic growth in Hawaii.
2. Hawaiian planters became reliant on U.S. markets, which made them politically inclined to align with American interests, influencing future political decisions.
3. The treaty was originally intended to strengthen economic ties with the U.S., but it inadvertently set the stage for future political control and eventual annexation.
4. Following the treaty, many American settlers moved to Hawaii, changing its demographic makeup and creating a socio-political environment that favored annexation.
5. The treaty was renewed in 1887 but was ultimately terminated in 1894, leading to economic challenges for Hawaii as it lost preferential access to the U.S. market.

Review Questions

• How did the Reciprocity Treaty affect Hawaii's economic landscape in the late 19th century?
  • The Reciprocity Treaty significantly transformed Hawaii's economy by allowing sugar to be exported duty-free to the United States, which led to a boom in sugar production. This resulted in increased wealth for sugar planters and a surge of American investment in Hawaiian agriculture. The growing reliance on sugar exports created an economy heavily linked to American markets, which shaped political relations between Hawaii and the United States.
• Discuss the social implications of the increased American presence in Hawaii following the Reciprocity Treaty.
  • Following the Reciprocity Treaty, there was a marked increase in American settlers in Hawaii, resulting in demographic shifts and cultural influences. These changes led to tensions between native Hawaiians and newcomers, as traditional ways of life were challenged. The growing American population also exerted political pressure that contributed to the overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani and ultimately paved the way for Hawaii's annexation by the United States.
• Evaluate how the termination of the Reciprocity Treaty impacted Hawaii's relationship with the United States and its path toward statehood.
  • The termination of the Reciprocity Treaty in 1894 had profound effects on Hawaii's relationship with the United States, as it led to economic difficulties for local planters who relied on sugar exports. This situation heightened calls for political union with the U.S. as a means of stabilizing Hawaii's economy. The resulting desire for closer ties ultimately set Hawaii on a path toward annexation and eventual statehood, reflecting how treaties influenced both economic dependency and political outcomes.

Related terms

Sugar Industry: A crucial agricultural sector in Hawaii that flourished after the Reciprocity Treaty, making sugar a leading export product and transforming the islands' economy.

Annexation:

The process by which Hawaii was incorporated into the United States in 1898, following increased American influence and control over Hawaiian resources due to treaties like the Reciprocity Treaty.

Overthrow of the Monarchy: The event in 1893 where Queen Liliʻuokalani was deposed, influenced by American businessmen and political leaders who benefitted from the economic changes brought on by treaties with the U.S.