The Hawaiian Islands Acquisition refers to the process through which the United States annexed Hawaii in 1898, transitioning it from a sovereign kingdom to an American territory. This event was a significant moment in American imperialism, showcasing the nation's expansionist policies and its desire for strategic military and economic advantages in the Pacific region.
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The Hawaiian Islands were originally an independent kingdom until the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani in 1893, largely orchestrated by American planters and business interests.
The U.S. Congress officially annexed Hawaii through the Newlands Resolution in 1898, during the Spanish-American War, citing the need for a naval base at Pearl Harbor.
Hawaii became a U.S. territory in 1900, providing significant military advantages and serving as a crucial refueling station for American ships traveling to Asia.
The annexation was met with opposition from many Native Hawaiians, leading to ongoing debates about sovereignty and cultural identity that persist today.
Hawaii was eventually granted statehood on August 21, 1959, becoming the 50th state of the United States.
Review Questions
How did the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani set the stage for the Hawaiian Islands Acquisition?
The overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani was pivotal because it eliminated the last barrier to American control over Hawaii. The coup was executed by American businessmen and sugar planters who sought to secure their economic interests and increase American influence. Following her removal, a provisional government was established that quickly sought annexation by the United States, leading to Hawaii's eventual incorporation into American territory.
Discuss the implications of the Hawaiian Islands Acquisition on U.S. foreign policy and expansionist goals at the turn of the century.
The acquisition of Hawaii marked a significant moment in U.S. foreign policy, reflecting an era of heightened expansionism influenced by Manifest Destiny. By annexing Hawaii, the United States not only gained a strategic military foothold in the Pacific but also demonstrated its growing imperial ambitions. This move set a precedent for further territorial acquisitions in the region and underscored America’s commitment to projecting power beyond its continental borders.
Evaluate how the Hawaiian Islands Acquisition has shaped contemporary discussions about sovereignty and identity among Native Hawaiians.
The Hawaiian Islands Acquisition has had long-lasting impacts on issues of sovereignty and cultural identity among Native Hawaiians. The overthrow of their monarchy and subsequent annexation led to a loss of self-governance and cultural autonomy, sparking movements for restoration and recognition of Hawaiian rights. Today, these discussions center around calls for reparative justice, recognition of Native Hawaiian sovereignty, and efforts to preserve cultural heritage, highlighting ongoing tensions between U.S. governance and indigenous identity.
A 19th-century doctrine that promoted the belief that the expansion of the United States across the American continents was both justified and inevitable.
Queen Liliuokalani: The last reigning monarch of Hawaii who was overthrown in a coup led by American interests, resulting in the eventual annexation of Hawaii by the United States.
Pacific Imperialism: A term describing the United States' strategic efforts to expand its influence and control over territories in the Pacific Ocean during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.