How was Hawaii stolen? This question has sparked controversy and debate for over a century. The story of Hawaii’s annexation by the United States in 1898 is one of political intrigue, economic interests, and a tragic loss of sovereignty for the Hawaiian Kingdom. In this article, we will delve into the events that led to the theft of Hawaii and explore the lasting impact it has had on the island nation.
The Hawaiian Kingdom, once a sovereign nation, had been in decline since the 1840s due to a series of treaties and political maneuvers by Western powers. The monarchy was weakened, and the Hawaiian people were subjected to increasing pressure from American business interests. The 1887 Bayonet Constitution, which reduced the power of the Hawaiian monarchy and increased the influence of American citizens, further eroded the kingdom’s stability.
In 1893, a revolution led by American and European residents in Hawaii overthrew Queen Liliuokalani, the last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom. The revolutionaries, known as the Committee of Safety, declared Hawaii a republic and sought to establish a government that would be more favorable to American interests. Despite the protests of the Hawaiian monarchy and its supporters, the United States government remained largely indifferent to the situation.
The U.S. consul in Hawaii, John L. Stevens, played a pivotal role in the annexation process. He actively supported the revolutionaries and facilitated the establishment of a provisional government. In 1894, the provisional government requested annexation from the United States, but President Grover Cleveland, who opposed the expansionist policies of his predecessor, rejected the request.
However, the situation in Hawaii continued to deteriorate. In 1895, a rebellion led by loyalists to the Hawaiian monarchy was suppressed by the provisional government. This event, known as the Battle of Honolulu, further highlighted the instability of the situation and the urgency for the United States to take action.
In 1898, President William McKinley, influenced by the growing sentiment of American expansionism and the desire to secure naval bases in the Pacific, decided to annex Hawaii. The U.S. Congress passed the Newlands Resolution, which annexed Hawaii as a territory. On July 4, 1898, Hawaii was formally annexed by the United States.
The annexation of Hawaii was met with strong opposition from the Hawaiian people and many in the United States. The Hawaiian Kingdom was considered a sovereign nation, and its annexation was seen as a violation of international law and the rights of the Hawaiian people. Despite this, the U.S. government ignored the protests and pushed forward with the annexation.
The theft of Hawaii has had a lasting impact on the island nation. The Hawaiian sovereignty movement continues to this day, with many advocating for the restoration of Hawaiian independence. The legacy of the annexation is evident in the cultural, political, and social issues that continue to affect Hawaii and its people.
In conclusion, the annexation of Hawaii was a result of political intrigue, economic interests, and a disregard for international law. The story of how Hawaii was stolen serves as a reminder of the power dynamics at play in the late 19th century and the ongoing struggle for Hawaiian sovereignty.
