Why Is Hawaii Part Of The Us History Annexation Explained

Hawaii’s journey from an independent Polynesian kingdom to the 50th state of the United States is a complex tale of diplomacy, economic interests, colonial ambition, and resistance. Today, many people enjoy Hawaii’s beaches and culture without knowing how it became American territory. The story begins long before statehood in 1959 and centers on a pivotal moment: the 1898 annexation. Understanding this history requires examining the political climate, foreign influence, and the voices of Native Hawaiians who fought to preserve their sovereignty.

The Kingdom of Hawaii and Early Western Contact

For centuries before European arrival, Native Hawaiians lived in a structured society governed by aliʻi (chiefs) and guided by spiritual traditions. In 1778, British explorer Captain James Cook arrived, marking the first documented contact with the West. His arrival initiated a wave of foreign interest—missionaries, traders, and whalers soon followed.

By the early 1800s, American missionaries had established strong footholds on the islands, introducing Christianity and Western education. While they claimed altruistic motives, their presence also laid the groundwork for cultural transformation and political influence. Over time, American businessmen began investing heavily in Hawaii’s most valuable export: sugar.

The Hawaiian monarchy, under leaders like King Kamehameha I and later Queen Liliʻuokalani, attempted to maintain independence. However, increasing foreign ownership of land and key industries weakened royal authority. The 1887 “Bayonet Constitution,” forced upon King Kalākaua by wealthy foreign residents (mostly American and European), stripped the monarchy of much of its power and limited voting rights to property-owning elites—excluding most Native Hawaiians.

Economic Interests and the Rise of American Influence

Sugar was central to Hawaii’s integration into the American economy. After the U.S. Reciprocity Treaty of 1875, Hawaiian sugar could enter the American market duty-free, making it immensely profitable. American plantation owners expanded operations rapidly, importing laborers from China, Japan, and the Philippines to work the fields.

As American economic control grew, so did political ambitions. Plantation owners and businessmen formed the Hawaiian League, a secret society dedicated to overthrowing the monarchy and aligning Hawaii with the United States. When Queen Liliʻuokalani ascended the throne in 1891, she sought to restore power to the monarchy and drafted a new constitution to reverse the Bayonet Constitution.

Tip: To understand modern Hawaiian identity, consider how economic dependency often precedes political takeover—a pattern seen in many colonial histories.

The Overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy

In January 1893, while the queen was attempting constitutional reform, a group of American and European businessmen—with the support of U.S. Minister John L. Stevens and armed Marines from the USS Boston—orchestrated a coup. They forced Queen Liliʻuokalani to surrender under protest, fearing bloodshed among her supporters.

Liliʻuokalani did not abdicate; she temporarily yielded authority to the U.S. government, appealing to President Grover Cleveland for justice. Cleveland condemned the overthrow as an “act of war” committed with U.S. assistance and called for the queen’s restoration. However, the provisional government in Hawaii refused to step down, and Congress, under growing pressure from pro-annexationists, shifted course.

“We are confident that the triumph of justice will come, though it may be delayed.” — Queen Liliʻuokalani, in her memoir *Hawaiʻi’s Story by Hawaiʻi’s Queen*

A Step-by-Step Timeline of Annexation

The path from monarchy to U.S. territory was neither swift nor peaceful. Here is a clear timeline of key events:

1. 1875: Reciprocity Treaty between Hawaii and the U.S. boosts sugar trade.
2. 1887: Bayonet Constitution limits the king’s power and disenfranchises Native Hawaiians.
3. 1891: Queen Liliʻuokalani becomes monarch; seeks to restore native governance.
4. January 1893: Armed coup overthrows the queen with U.S. diplomatic and military backing.
5. 1894: Republic of Hawaii is declared, led by Sanford B. Dole, a descendant of American missionaries.
6. 1897: Over 21,000 Native Hawaiians sign petitions against annexation, sent to U.S. Congress.
7. July 7, 1898: U.S. Congress passes the Newlands Resolution, annexing Hawaii.
8. 1900: Hawaii becomes an organized U.S. territory.
9. August 21, 1959: Hawaii admitted as the 50th state.

The 1898 annexation occurred during the Spanish-American War, when Hawaii’s strategic location in the Pacific became vital for U.S. naval operations. National security concerns outweighed moral objections, and Congress approved annexation without a vote from the Hawaiian people.

Native Resistance and Lasting Cultural Impact

Despite the official narrative of “peaceful integration,” Native Hawaiians consistently resisted annexation. The 1897 petition drive—the Kūʻē Petitions—was one of the largest indigenous protests of its time. Organized by Hui Aloha ʻĀina (Hawaiian Patriotic League), it demonstrated overwhelming opposition to U.S. rule.

Yet, their voices were ignored. After annexation, Hawaiian language was banned in schools, traditional practices were suppressed, and land ownership patterns favored outsiders. The U.S. government took control of crown and government lands—nearly 1.8 million acres—without consent.

To this day, the legality of the annexation remains contested. In 1993, the U.S. Congress passed the Apology Resolution (Public Law 103-150), formally acknowledging that “the native Hawaiian people never directly relinquished their claims to their inherent sovereignty” and apologizing for the role of U.S. agents in the overthrow.

Event	Year	Significance
Reciprocity Treaty	1875	Deepened U.S.-Hawaii economic ties, favoring American sugar interests.
Overthrow of the Monarchy	1893	U.S.-backed coup ends Hawaiian self-rule.
Kūʻē Petitions	1897	Over 21,000 Hawaiians protest annexation.
Newlands Resolution	1898	Hawaii annexed without a public vote.
Statehood	1959	Hawaii becomes the 50th U.S. state.

FAQ

Was Hawaii legally annexed by the United States?

The annexation via the Newlands Resolution was a joint resolution of Congress, not a treaty—which traditionally requires agreement from both nations. Because no representative of the Hawaiian government signed it, many legal scholars and Native Hawaiians consider the annexation illegitimate under international law.

Did Native Hawaiians want to become part of the U.S.?

No. The vast majority opposed annexation. The 1897 Kūʻē Petitions showed that over 90% of the Native Hawaiian population at the time signed declarations against being absorbed into the United States.

Why did the U.S. want Hawaii?

The U.S. desired Hawaii for its strategic military location in the Pacific and its lucrative sugar industry. During the late 19th century, American expansionists viewed Hawaii as essential to projecting power across Asia and protecting West Coast interests.

Tip: When visiting or learning about Hawaii, acknowledge the ongoing cultural revival and sovereignty movement. Respect for Indigenous perspectives enriches historical understanding.

Mini Case Study: The Legacy of Queen Liliʻuokalani

After her overthrow, Queen Liliʻuokalani spent years under house arrest, then devoted her life to cultural preservation and political advocacy. She composed music, including the famous song “Aloha ʻOe,” and wrote extensively about her people’s plight. Despite losing her throne, she remained a symbol of dignity and resistance.

Today, her legacy lives on in the Hawaiian sovereignty movement. Schools teach her compositions, activists invoke her writings, and annual ceremonies honor her leadership. Her life illustrates how one person’s resilience can inspire generations—even in defeat.

Checklist: Understanding Hawaii’s Path to Statehood

• Learn the difference between the 1893 overthrow and the 1898 annexation.
• Recognize the role of sugar plantations and American business interests.
• Study the Kūʻē Petitions as evidence of Native Hawaiian opposition.
• Review the 1993 Apology Resolution to understand the U.S. government’s acknowledgment of wrongdoing.
• Explore modern Hawaiian cultural revitalization efforts, including language immersion programs.

Conclusion

Hawaii’s inclusion in the United States was not the result of mutual agreement or democratic choice. It was shaped by economic greed, imperial ambition, and the suppression of Indigenous voices. While statehood brought certain benefits, it also erased a sovereign nation and marginalized its people.

Understanding this history is not about assigning blame—it’s about honoring truth. As visitors, citizens, and learners, we have a responsibility to see beyond the postcard image of Hawaii and recognize the depth of its past. By listening to Native Hawaiian narratives and supporting cultural preservation, we contribute to a more honest and respectful future.

💬 What will you do to honor Hawaii’s true history? Share this article, educate others, or explore resources from Native-led organizations working to protect Hawaiian sovereignty and culture.