The annexation of Hawaii was a controversial event in American history that took place between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Hawaii had been an independent kingdom until a group of American businessmen, supported by the U.S. government, overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893. The annexation of Hawaii was a long-standing goal of American imperialism which saw the islands as a strategic location for military bases and a potential source of economic profit. The annexation was opposed by many but despite the controversy, the United States annexed Hawaii in 1898, making it a U.S. territory until it became a state in 1959. The annexation of Hawaii remains a subject of debate and controversy to this day, with some arguing that it was a …show more content…
Others opposed to the annexation included "missionaries, humanitarians, and anti-imperialists…"( “The Annexation Of Hawaii” ) who expressed worries about the effects it would have on the Hawaiian people and their culture. These opponents claimed that the annexation would go against the values of democracy and self-determination and was not in the best interests of Hawaii or the United States. Some people believed that US commercial interests could use the annexation to control Hawaiian markets and resources. Despite these protests, the US eventually annexed Hawaii in 1898. Also, a large number of Americans opposed annexing Hawaii at the end of the 19th century. Some felt that the annexation would go against democratic principles and the Hawaiian people's right to self-determination. Others countered that it might result in future conflicts and create a bad precedent for American foreign policy. There were also worries that the annexation would result in the extraction of Hawaiian resources and the eviction of indigenous Hawaiians from their homes. Anti-imperialists, Democrats, and many Hawaiians themselves who organized a movement to reject American rule were among those who opposed the annexation. In the end, their efforts to stop the annexation proved unsuccessful, and Hawaii became a U.S. territory in …show more content…
Some considered Hawaii as a crucial strategic site for military purposes, as noted by Bonnie Smith in her book "Imperialism: A History in Documents," with one pro-annexation speaker stating that "Hawaii is very necessary as a coaling and repair station for our warships" (Smith 109). Others thought that Hawaii's annexation would open up new business prospects, particularly in the sugar sector. Sugar growers on the West Coast believed that annexation would shield them from Hawaiian competition and guarantee them a consistent supply of low-cost labor. But, it wasn't just politicians and corporate interests who supported annexation. The annexation of Hawaii was viewed by many Americans as a means of promoting American culture and ideals and, "missionary groups who had long operated in the islands supported annexation, believing that American rule would bring order, morality, and Christianity to the Hawaiian people…" (Smith 110). In general, annexation supporters saw it as a chance for the United States to further establish itself as a major world
One very strong piece of writing,”Queen Liliuokalani’s letter of protest to McKinley,” written by Queen Liliuokalani herself, is a letter protesting how her and her fellow Hawaiians should have an ability to vote on the regards of Hawaii’s independence. This letter was written in July of 1897. Back then, Hawaii was not part of the United States. The purpose of this writing was to change the treaty sent to the US. In her letter, Queen Liliuokalani discusses how in eight months she would “give” the Hawaiian islands to the United States with a treaty.
Hawaiian History This paper is about the bayonet constitution and the overthrow to the annexation. These events have had a huge effect on the Hawaiian people. From population of pure blooded Hawaiians dropping drastically. To Hawaiian getting kicked out of their homes and getting deadly disease and passing away.
He heard about these complaints and the foreign way of doing things, such as their belief of being able to “own land” and thought it would be beneficial for the Hawaiian community.
When Western presence commenced to escalate in Hawaii, it ultimately would lead to the collapse of its monarchy and annexation to the U.S. Its downfall may have started when western Christian missionaries began to populate the island in order to initially spread Christianity. This would eventually lead to the education of ali’i children, who were the monarchies’ broods, and this would serve as the foundation for exposing these Hawaiian children to the lifestyle of Western society, such as Liliˋunokalani. However, this would only strengthen the power of these missionaries as their population began to grow. For instance, this eventually lead to the establishment of a constitutional government.
The cities and states in the Northeast resisted this purchase greatly. With the purchase not only was land gained, another 100,000 people became US citizens. These people had different customs, language, religion, and government understanding. This angered the people because they would have less power, and comfort than they had the rest of their life living in the country. From their prospective they were just letting in random foreigners who had no grasp on democracy.
In 1850, the Kuleana Act meant that maka’ainana, commoners, could own land instead of leasing it, and the Resident Alien Act that followed ensured that foreigners could too (Cachola 79-85). This was the start of the Great Mahele, the land-owning system that was created by the Hawaiian government after years of foreign pressure on the Hawaiian government and King Kamehameha III, or Kauikeaouli. The foreigners wanted to be able to own land in Hawaii, as they realized they could get rich off of sugar cane, which grew excellently in Hawaii (Potter et al. 97-100). After thinking about the future of Hawaii, the government came up with the Mahele, a land division and ownership system for Hawaii.
The annexation of the Hawaiian islands was not supported by the natives, but it by many powerful and rich foreigners. In secret, they formed a committee and plotted to overthrow the monarchy. To quell any uprisings, they solicited the aid of the United States Marines, since they did not possess enough power to stop it themselves. With Queen Liliuokalani out of office, they were one step closer to their goal of annexation. The US was not totally innocent when it comes to the annexation of Hawaii.
There were many controversial views on the Annexation of Hawaii such as the perspective of Queen Liliuokalani, the opinions people of Hawaii, and the US
Americans believed they should be granted the land in any means necessary. President Andrew Jackson was a big believer in manifest destiny and as soon as he was in office he got to work on western expansion. Jackson told
A great number of Americans agreed with this idea, acting as an excellent source of motivation in the saving of California, Texas, and many other states. “Annexation,” by John L. O’Sullivan states, “[O]ther nations have undertaken… hostile interference against us,... hampering our power, limiting our greatness and checking the fulfillment of our manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence [God].” From this, I can infer that Manifest Destiny was more of a power than an idea that was given to the citizens of America. President James Polk saw it as his duty to fulfill this while saving the land to the west in the process. Being protestant, being given a scripture of the U.S. from the east the west coast, it was important to follow what was
Greetings, citizens of America! We have all gathered here to discuss a very serious issue: the annexation of Hawaii. Yesterday, July 7, 1898, Hawaii was annexed into the United States, which was reprehensible. There is no just cause for annexing Hawaii, Hawaii itself doesn’t benefit from the annexation, and we will have to spend lots of resources to uphold Hawaii. We have no guarantee that the Hawaiians will cooperate with us.
The annexation of new land contributed to the United States' westward movement and was crucial to the
The US should not have annexed the Philippines because it would be hypocritical of Americans, the
This is because of the massive culture, and thriving economy. Even though the imperialism of Hawaii could be viewed as aggressive behavior, it was necessary to stop other countries from acquiring Hawaii. But Hawaii also supplied the United States with a lot of natural resources and a suitable naval base that was crucial for us to win World War II. So without the imperialization of Hawaii, the Axis’ powers could have won WW2 and doomed us all. But since we imperialized the increasing demand for sugar resulted in the importation of thousands of immigrant laborers from all over the world to work the industry.
In 1874, the U.S. Secretary of State, John C. Calhoun, allowed for the recognition of Hawaii’s independence, letting Hawaii enter treaties with major world powers. Soon after, American influence appeared due to Americans seeking land for plantations. This put pressure onto the King and chiefs with demands to give Americans land to grow crops. Once the Pacific Hawaiian climate was found to be very suitable for growing sugar cane, newly