Reciprocity Treaty of 1875

Definition

The Reciprocity Treaty of 1875 was an agreement between the Kingdom of Hawaii and the United States that allowed Hawaiian sugar to enter the U.S. duty-free while granting the U.S. exclusive trading rights in Hawaii. This treaty significantly boosted Hawaii's sugar industry, leading to increased production and exportation, which played a crucial role in the islands' economy during this period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Reciprocity Treaty allowed Hawaiian sugar producers to sell their goods in the U.S. market without facing tariffs, making Hawaiian sugar more competitive.
2. As a result of this treaty, Hawaii saw a dramatic increase in sugar production, transforming it into a major supplier for the U.S. and other markets.
3. The treaty was a pivotal factor in increasing American investment in Hawaiian agriculture, leading to the rise of powerful plantation owners known as the 'Big Five'.
4. In exchange for trade benefits, the U.S. gained access to Pearl Harbor as a coaling station and naval base, enhancing its military presence in the Pacific.
5. The Reciprocity Treaty laid the groundwork for future political maneuvers that eventually led to the annexation of Hawaii by the United States in 1898.

Review Questions

• How did the Reciprocity Treaty of 1875 impact the economic landscape of Hawaii?
  • The Reciprocity Treaty of 1875 had a transformative effect on Hawaii's economy by allowing sugar to be exported to the United States without tariffs. This led to a significant increase in sugar production and attracted American investment in plantations. Consequently, it established Hawaii as a major player in the sugar industry, which became central to its economic development.
• Discuss the political implications of the Reciprocity Treaty for the Hawaiian Monarchy and its sovereignty.
  • The Reciprocity Treaty had profound political implications for the Hawaiian Monarchy as it created strong economic ties with the United States while undermining Hawaii's sovereignty. As American business interests grew due to increased sugar production, they began exerting more influence over local politics. This shift laid the groundwork for growing pressures that ultimately contributed to the monarchy's downfall and Hawaii's eventual annexation by the U.S.
• Evaluate how the economic and political outcomes of the Reciprocity Treaty set the stage for Hawaii's annexation by the United States.
  • The economic benefits generated by the Reciprocity Treaty led to significant American investment and influence in Hawaii, which created a complex relationship between local interests and foreign powers. As sugar became vital to both Hawaiian and U.S. economies, American planters sought greater control over local politics. This push for power, combined with geopolitical interests during an era of imperialism, culminated in Hawaii's annexation in 1898, marking a significant shift from an independent kingdom to an American territory.

Related terms

Sugar Plantations: Large agricultural estates established in Hawaii that focused on the cultivation of sugarcane, heavily influencing the local economy and labor dynamics.

Annexation of Hawaii: The incorporation of Hawaii into the United States as a territory in 1898, which was partly influenced by the economic ties established through the Reciprocity Treaty.

Hawaiian Monarchy:

The royal system of governance in Hawaii before its annexation, which faced challenges due to foreign economic pressures and internal political strife.