Hawaii

Definition

Hawaii is a volcanic archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean that became the 50th state of the United States in 1959. Its strategic location and rich resources made it a focal point for American imperial ambitions, as well as a key player in international politics and military strategy throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hawaii was originally an independent kingdom until its overthrow in 1893, which led to U.S. control over the islands.
2. The economic interests of American planters played a significant role in the push for annexation, particularly due to the lucrative sugar industry.
3. Hawaii's strategic location made it vital for U.S. military operations in the Pacific, especially during World War II.
4. The formal annexation of Hawaii was completed with the Newlands Resolution in 1898, amid growing American imperialism.
5. Hawaii became a state on August 21, 1959, following a long struggle for statehood after its annexation.

Review Questions

• How did Queen Liliuokalani's reign and subsequent overthrow reflect the broader themes of American imperialism during the late 19th century?
  • Queen Liliuokalani's reign was marked by her efforts to restore power to the Hawaiian monarchy and limit foreign influence. Her overthrow in 1893 was driven by American businessmen who sought greater control over Hawaii's lucrative sugar economy and desired annexation to the U.S. This event exemplifies how economic interests intertwined with imperial ambitions, leading to the subjugation of native governance for the sake of American expansion.
• Analyze how the annexation of Hawaii impacted U.S. military strategy in the Pacific during the early 20th century.
  • The annexation of Hawaii was pivotal for U.S. military strategy as it provided a critical base for operations in the Pacific. With Pearl Harbor serving as a major naval station, Hawaii allowed the U.S. to project military power across Asia and defend against potential threats from rival nations. This strategic advantage became increasingly important as tensions escalated in the Pacific leading up to World War II.
• Evaluate the implications of Hawaii's statehood for its local population and how it fit into America's expanding role as a world power post-World War II.
  • Hawaii's statehood in 1959 represented a significant shift in its political status and brought about both opportunities and challenges for its local population. While it allowed for greater representation and inclusion within the U.S., issues surrounding cultural identity and self-determination also arose as Hawaiian culture faced pressures from Americanization. This development occurred alongside America's emergence as a global superpower, highlighting tensions between national integration and local autonomy amid rapid post-war expansion.

Related terms

Queen Liliuokalani: The last reigning monarch of Hawaii who was overthrown in 1893 by a group of American businessmen and sugar planters seeking to annex Hawaii to the United States.

Annexation:

The process of incorporating a territory into another geopolitical entity, which in Hawaii's case involved its annexation by the United States in 1898.

Pearl Harbor:

A harbor located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, that became a crucial naval base for the U.S. and was famously attacked by Japan on December 7, 1941.