On July 7, 1898, the United States Congress passed the Newlands Resolution, effectively annexing the Hawaiian Islands. This moment marked the culmination of years of political maneuvering, economic interests, and strategic military considerations. The date of the annexation stands as a turning point not only in the history of Hawaii but also in the expansion of American influence in the Pacific region. The annexation of Hawaii did not occur in isolation; it was part of a larger narrative involving imperialism, resistance, and transformation. The road leading up to the annexation was paved with both internal upheaval within Hawaii and external pressure from the United States.
Background of the Hawaiian Kingdom
Establishment and Sovereignty
The Hawaiian Kingdom was established in 1795 under King Kamehameha I after a series of conquests that unified the islands. For decades, Hawaii was recognized by global powers as a sovereign nation, entering into treaties and maintaining diplomatic relationships with countries such as Great Britain, France, and the United States.
Growing American Interests
Throughout the 19th century, American settlers and businessmen, particularly sugar planters and merchants, gained increasing influence in Hawaii. The economic prosperity of the islands became tightly linked to U.S. markets, especially after the signing of the Reciprocity Treaty in 1875, which allowed duty-free imports of Hawaiian sugar into the United States.
The Path to Annexation
Overthrow of the Monarchy
In January 1893, Queen LiliÊ»uokalani attempted to promulgate a new constitution to restore royal authority, which alarmed the largely American-led business elite. A group known as the ‘Committee of Safety,’ supported by the U.S. Minister to Hawaii and a contingent of U.S. Marines, orchestrated a coup that deposed the Queen. This marked the beginning of U.S. annexation efforts.
Provisional Government and Republic of Hawaii
Following the overthrow, a Provisional Government was established, led by Sanford B. Dole. In 1894, the Republic of Hawaii was declared with Dole as its president. This new government actively lobbied for annexation to the United States, citing both economic and strategic reasons.
The Annexation Date and Process
Newlands Resolution of 1898
The formal date of the U.S. annexation of Hawaii is July 7, 1898, when Congress passed the Newlands Resolution. This joint resolution, rather than a treaty, allowed the annexation to proceed with a simple majority vote instead of the two-thirds Senate approval required for treaties.
Official Transfer of Power
Although the resolution passed on July 7, the official transfer of sovereignty took place on August 12, 1898, when the American flag was raised over ʻIolani Palace in Honolulu. A ceremony marked the end of the Hawaiian Kingdom and the beginning of U.S. governance.
Motivations Behind the Annexation
Strategic Military Interests
During the Spanish-American War of 1898, the strategic value of Hawaii became clear. The islands served as a critical midpoint in the Pacific for naval ships traveling between the U.S. mainland and the Philippines. The annexation provided the U.S. Navy with a crucial military base at Pearl Harbor.
Economic Benefits
Annexation allowed American sugar planters to avoid tariffs imposed on foreign sugar, thereby increasing profits. Control over Hawaiian agriculture and resources was a major incentive for U.S. business interests to push for annexation.
Opposition and Resistance
Native Hawaiian Resistance
Many Native Hawaiians strongly opposed the annexation. Petitions against annexation, including the famous KÅ«Ê»Ä Petitions signed by over 21,000 Hawaiians, demonstrated widespread dissent. Queen LiliÊ»uokalani herself traveled to Washington D.C. to protest the overthrow and plead for the restoration of the monarchy.
Anti-Imperialist Sentiment in the U.S.
Domestically, the annexation of Hawaii faced opposition from anti-imperialist groups. Critics argued that annexation violated the principles of self-determination and democracy. Despite this, expansionist ideologies ultimately prevailed in U.S. policy-making circles.
Consequences of Annexation
Hawaii as a U.S. Territory
Following annexation, Hawaii became a U.S. territory in 1900 under the Organic Act. Territorial status limited local self-rule and placed much of the governance in the hands of U.S. officials. Native Hawaiians were largely excluded from power, and American institutions were firmly established.
Path to Statehood
Hawaii remained a U.S. territory until August 21, 1959, when it was admitted as the 50th state. The statehood process was controversial and followed decades of economic development, military buildup, and demographic changes that transformed Hawaiian society.
Legacy and Reconciliation
Apology Resolution
In 1993, on the 100th anniversary of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, the U.S. Congress passed the Apology Resolution. This resolution formally apologized for the role of the United States in the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and recognized that Native Hawaiians never relinquished their claims to sovereignty.
Modern Impacts
The annexation of Hawaii continues to influence discussions around Native Hawaiian rights, land claims, and cultural identity. Movements advocating for Hawaiian sovereignty and self-determination remain active, seeking redress for historical injustices stemming from the 1898 annexation.
Key Dates Related to U.S. Annexation of Hawaii
- January 17, 1893: Overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani
- July 4, 1894: Establishment of the Republic of Hawaii
- July 7, 1898: Passage of the Newlands Resolution (Annexation Date)
- August 12, 1898: Official Transfer of Power Ceremony
- June 14, 1900: Organic Act establishes Hawaii as a U.S. territory
- August 21, 1959: Hawaii becomes the 50th state
The U.S. annexation of Hawaii, marked by the date July 7, 1898, is a pivotal moment in American and Hawaiian history. It reflects broader themes of imperialism, economic ambition, and military strategy. The legacy of this annexation continues to shape cultural, legal, and political discourse in Hawaii today. Understanding this complex chapter is essential for appreciating the island’s unique past and the ongoing struggles of its people to assert their rights and heritage.