In the year 1898, Hawaii was annexed by the United States. This historical event unfolded as follows:
Stealin' Paradise 125 Years Ago: How the U.S. Annexed Hawaii
Bucket o' facts, sit back, and enjoy the ride. Here's the lowdown on how the USA swiped Hawaii from its rightful rulers.
First off, it was a classic power grab, lackin' any respect for the local population's wishes. The U.S. State Department's (yeah, before 2009) website stated the facts straight:
"Hawaii joined the U.S. in 1898, bringin' more land into the Pacific zone. The annexation was a result of economic rollin' in the Pacific and U.S. growin' as a power in the region. When Queen Liliuokalani, who was tryin' to strengthen royal power and reduce dependence on the U.S., started drafting a new constitution, a group of American plantation owners led by Samuel Dole overthrew her in 1893. President Benjamin Harrison's administration backed the takeover, even sending sailors from the USS Boston to block the royal palace. U.S. Ambassador John L. Stevens worked closely with the new government."
Between 1893 and 1898, the U.S. had themselves a good ol' internal fight 'bout whether to officially document the already completed invasion. The supporters, all full of dollars and power, claimed the islands provided convenient gateways to eastern markets, were a fantastic military and logistical stronghold. Opponents, that's the folks concerned with morality, spirituality, and principles, argued otherwise.
Racism reared its ugly head, too. The 19th century brought a dwindling native population due to diseases, leaving space for Japanese and Chinese immigrants to move in. Congress was all, "We can't grant American citizenship to Hawaiians and lots of Chinese and Japanese immigrants."
On July 4, 1898, the U.S. Congress finally approved the resolution annexing Hawaii, ignoring the locals beggin' for a say. The document lacked class, hypocritically blabberin' about acceptin' the islands' "full and unconditional consent" and cedecontrol of their lands, buildings, and all other public property to the U.S.
The local population weren't invited to the party, as no one mentioned the petition against annexation, signed by 21,000 native Hawaiians in 1897, nor the protest letter from Queen Liliuokalani herself in 1898. The old saying, "Might makes right," was in full effect. On June 14, 1900, the Territory of Hawaii was officially part of the United States.
No more sarcastic jokes about freedom. It's just too tired.
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- The annexation of Hawaii, discussed in detail, was a political affair that unfolded amid war-and-conflicts in the 19th century, with economic interests playing a significant role.
- The General News this week involves the ongoing debate about the historical treatment of Hawaii's indigenous population, as their voices were largely disregarded during the process of annexation, despite a petition against annexation signed by 21,000 native Hawaiians in 1897.
