1. Missionary Period (1820s-1850s): American missionaries arrived in Hawaii and began converting the native population to Christianity. American influence on the islands increased during this time.
2. Sugar Industry and Economic Developments (1850s-1890s): Hawaii's sugar industry boomed, attracting American plantation owners and businessmen to the islands. King Kalākaua assumed the throne and promoted economic modernization.
3. Bayonet Constitution (1887): King Kalākaua was pressured by American plantation owners to sign a new constitution that limited his power and granted electoral advantages to wealthy, Euro-American citizens.
4. Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom (1893): A coalition of American businessmen and plantation owners, with support from the U.S. Navy and Marines, overthrew Queen Liliʻuokalani, who had succeeded King Kalākaua. A provisional government headed by Sanford B. Dole was established.
5. Republic of Hawaii (1894-1898): The Republic of Hawaii was declared with Sanford B. Dole serving as president. The republic sought annexation to the United States to gain greater political stability and economic benefits.
6. Spanish-American War and Hawaiian Annexation (1898): The outbreak of the Spanish-American War led to a heightened interest in Hawaii as a strategic location. President William McKinley signed a resolution formally annexing Hawaii as a territory of the United States on August 12, 1898.
7. Organic Act of 1900: The Organic Act of 1900 established the legal framework for the governance of Hawaii as a U.S. territory. It provided for a civilian government, established an appointed governor, and limited the rights of Native Hawaiians.
It is important to note that the process of annexation was complex, controversial, and did not have the full support of the native Hawaiian population. The actions taken by the U.S. government and American interests raised questions about sovereignty and the rights of the Hawaiian people.