Sound familiar?

The Path to US Annexation of Hawaii

1. Economic and Political Influence

Throughout the 19th century, American missionaries and business interests—especially in sugar—became increasingly influential in Hawaii. By the 1870s, American planters dominated the sugar industry, and Hawaii’s economy became deeply tied to the United States. [billofrigh...titute.org]

The 1875 Reciprocity Treaty allowed Hawaiian sugar duty-free access to US markets, further binding the two economies. In return, the US gained rights to a naval base at Pearl Harbor. [teachingam...istory.org]

2. The Bayonet Constitution (1887)

In 1887, under pressure from American and European businessmen (the Hawaiian League), King Kalākaua was forced to sign the "Bayonet Constitution," which stripped the monarchy of much of its power and disenfranchised many native Hawaiians. Political control shifted to the planter elite. [archives.gov]

3. Overthrow of the Monarchy (1893)

When Queen Liliʻuokalani attempted to restore royal authority in 1893, American and European residents, with support from the US Minister and US Marines, staged a coup. The Queen was forced to abdicate, and a provisional government was established, later becoming the Republic of Hawaii. [en.wikipedia.org]

4. US Government Response

President Grover Cleveland, an anti-imperialist, opposed annexation and tried to restore the Queen, but the provisional government refused. The issue stalled until President William McKinley, who favoured expansion, took office. [ushistory.org]

5. Annexation by Joint Resolution (1898)

The outbreak of the Spanish-American War in 1898 made Hawaii strategically important for US military operations in the Pacific.

President McKinley pushed for annexation, and Congress passed the Newlands Resolution—a joint resolution rather than a treaty—formally annexing Hawaii on 7 July 1898. [archives.gov]

6. Aftermath

Hawaii became a US territory, and eventually the 50th state in 1959. The annexation ended the sovereignty of the Hawaiian Kingdom and was opposed by many native Hawaiians, including Queen Liliʻuokalani herself. [archives.gov]

Key Points

Annexation was driven by economic interests, strategic military needs, and political manoeuvring by American residents in Hawaii.

The process involved the overthrow of the native monarchy, establishment of a US-backed government, and eventual annexation by Congressional resolution.

Native Hawaiian opposition was strong, but ultimately unsuccessful.