Treaty of Annexation

Definition

The Treaty of Annexation refers to the agreement signed in 1898 that formalized the annexation of Hawaii by the United States, marking a significant shift in Hawaiian sovereignty. This treaty followed the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani and was a pivotal moment in Hawaiian history, as it represented the culmination of efforts by American interests to gain control over the islands.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Treaty of Annexation was signed on June 16, 1897, but faced significant opposition and was initially not ratified until 1898.
2. The annexation was heavily influenced by American economic interests, particularly in sugar production, which had a major impact on Hawaii's economy.
3. The treaty was ratified during the Spanish-American War, which heightened strategic interest in Hawaii as a military outpost in the Pacific.
4. Hawaii was officially proclaimed a U.S. territory following the ratification of the treaty, effectively ending its status as an independent kingdom.
5. The annexation remains a contentious issue, with ongoing debates about its legality and implications for Native Hawaiian rights and identity.

Review Questions

• How did the Treaty of Annexation impact the political landscape in Hawaii after the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani?
  • The Treaty of Annexation fundamentally altered Hawaii's political landscape by solidifying U.S. control over the islands after the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani. Following her deposition, a provisional government was established that sought to legitimize American interests in Hawaii. The treaty transformed Hawaii from an independent kingdom into a U.S. territory, thereby stripping away any remaining sovereignty and setting the stage for further integration into American political structures.
• Evaluate the economic factors that motivated American interests to support the annexation of Hawaii through the Treaty of Annexation.
  • Economic factors played a crucial role in motivating American interests to support Hawaii's annexation. The booming sugar industry in Hawaii created significant economic ties between American businessmen and the islands. Annexation would eliminate tariffs on Hawaiian sugar imports, making it more competitive in U.S. markets. Additionally, securing Hawaii as a territory allowed for greater investment opportunities and access to Pacific trade routes, reinforcing American economic dominance in the region.
• Discuss the long-term implications of the Treaty of Annexation on contemporary Hawaiian identity and politics.
  • The long-term implications of the Treaty of Annexation have profoundly shaped contemporary Hawaiian identity and politics. The annexation is viewed by many as an unjust act that stripped Native Hawaiians of their sovereignty, leading to a resurgence in the Hawaiian Sovereignty Movement that seeks to address historical grievances and restore self-determination. Today, issues surrounding land rights, cultural preservation, and political representation continue to resonate within Hawaiian society, reflecting ongoing debates about identity and belonging in a post-annexation context.

Related terms

Overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani: The event in 1893 when Queen Liliuokalani was deposed by a group of American and European businessmen, leading to the establishment of a provisional government and eventually the annexation of Hawaii.

Republic of Hawaii:

The government established after the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani, which existed from 1894 until Hawaii's annexation by the United States in 1898.

Hawaiian Sovereignty Movement: A movement advocating for the restoration of sovereignty and self-determination for Native Hawaiians, stemming from the historical injustices associated with annexation and colonization.