Annexation of Hawaii

Definition

The Annexation of Hawaii refers to the formal incorporation of the Hawaiian Islands into the United States in 1898, which followed a series of political and economic maneuvers by American interests in the region. This event was significant as it marked a critical expansion of U.S. territory and influence in the Pacific, which was closely tied to the nation's imperialist ambitions during the late 19th century, particularly leading up to and following the Spanish-American War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The annexation was motivated by economic interests, particularly in sugar plantations, and strategic military considerations for U.S. presence in the Pacific.
2. The overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani in 1893 by American planters and business interests paved the way for increased U.S. control over Hawaii.
3. In 1898, Congress passed the Newlands Resolution, which officially annexed Hawaii without a formal treaty process due to lack of support from President Cleveland.
4. Hawaii became a U.S. territory in 1900 and later achieved statehood in 1959, making it the 50th state.
5. The annexation sparked significant debate regarding imperialism and its ethical implications, reflecting broader tensions in American foreign policy at the time.

Review Questions

• How did economic interests influence the Annexation of Hawaii?
  • Economic interests played a major role in the Annexation of Hawaii as American planters were heavily invested in sugar production on the islands. The Hawaiian economy was intertwined with that of the United States, leading many business leaders to advocate for annexation to secure favorable trade terms and avoid tariffs. This economic motivation was coupled with strategic military considerations, as control over Hawaii would enhance U.S. naval power in the Pacific.
• Analyze how public opinion shifted regarding Hawaii's annexation from President Cleveland's administration to that of McKinley.
  • Under President Cleveland's administration, public opinion was largely against annexation due to concerns about imperialism and respect for native sovereignty after Queen Liliʻuokalani's overthrow. However, when McKinley took office, there was a notable shift as growing nationalist sentiments and economic interests gained traction. The Spanish-American War also created a more favorable context for annexation, with many Americans supporting an expansionist foreign policy that included acquiring new territories like Hawaii.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of Hawaii's annexation on U.S. foreign policy and its impact on relations with other nations in the Pacific.
  • The Annexation of Hawaii had significant long-term implications for U.S. foreign policy as it signaled a commitment to imperialism and expansionism that would characterize American actions throughout the 20th century. It established a precedent for further territorial acquisitions in the Pacific and intensified interactions with other nations, especially as tensions grew with Japan and European powers. The annexation also contributed to debates about American identity and morality regarding colonialism, shaping future engagements with territories acquired through similar means.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny:

The 19th-century doctrine that the expansion of the United States across the American continents was both justified and inevitable.

Cleveland's Rejection: The decision by President Grover Cleveland to withdraw the annexation treaty after he took office in 1893, viewing it as an act of imperialism against the native population of Hawaii.

Spanish-American War:

A conflict in 1898 between Spain and the United States that resulted in significant territorial gains for the U.S., including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.