1. American Economic Interests: In the 19th century, Hawaii had become a significant hub for American trade, whaling, and missionary activity in the Pacific. American businessmen, sugar planters, and missionaries had substantial economic interests in the Hawaiian islands.
2. Reciprocity Treaty of 1875: In 1875, the US and Hawaii signed a reciprocity treaty that allowed Hawaiian sugar to enter the US market duty-free. This agreement strengthened economic ties between the two nations and further increased American influence in Hawaii.
3. Bayonet Constitution: In 1887, American sugar planters and businessmen orchestrated a coup that overthrew the reigning monarch, King Kalākaua. A new constitution, known as the "Bayonet Constitution," was established, which limited the power of the monarchy and gave more control to the planter elite and American interests.
4. Overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani: In 1893, Queen Liliʻuokalani, who succeeded King Kalākaua, attempted to restore the power of the monarchy and abrogate the Bayonet Constitution. However, American businessmen, with support from the US Minister in Hawaii, John L. Stevens, organized a committee that declared the overthrow of the Hawaiian government and established the Provisional Government of Hawaii.
5. Annexation Resolution: In early 1893, the Provisional Government of Hawaii sent a delegation to Washington, D.C., to negotiate annexation with the US government. President Benjamin Harrison supported annexation, and a resolution was passed by the US Congress in July 1893 to annex Hawaii.
6. Treaty of Annexation: On August 12, 1898, the Republic of Hawaii was formally annexed by the United States through a joint resolution of Congress. Queen Liliʻuokalani had previously protested the annexation, but the US government maintained its position of supporting annexation.
The annexation of Hawaii was driven by a combination of economic interests, political maneuvering, and the desire of the American government to expand its influence in the Pacific region. The establishment of the Territory of Hawaii marked a significant milestone in the expansion of the United States and would have lasting implications for the history and culture of the Hawaiian islands.
