Hawaii: A Classic Case of Economic Imperialism
American interest in the Hawaiian Islands goes back to post-revolutionary days when
American trader first started traversing the Pacific. Hawaii was a convenient stopping-off place
for ship bound for China and Japan. American missionaries arrived in the islands in the early
19th century, and the scenery, climate and valuable crops like sugar and fruits attracted
attention. Although American did not make any move to annex or otherwise control Hawaii,
American policy consistently sought to keep others from extending their influence over the
islands.
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1842 Secretary of State Daniel Webster recognizes the importance of Hawaii for the
United States. Native Hawaiians want to resist foreign intervention and see the U.S as
an ally in that effort. The U.S. makes no attempt to annex Hawaii, but rejects foreign
influence.
1843 A British naval officer attempts annexation of Hawaii but his efforts are
disavowed.
1848 After territory is added from the Mexican War, including California, Hawaii
becomes even more important.
1849 The U.S. formally recognizes Hawaiian independence, talk of annexation starts
but comes to nothing.
1875 The U.S. signs a reciprocity trade treaty with Hawaii which admits Hawaiian
sugar to the U.S. duty free. Under the terms of the treaty no Hawaiian territory is to
be disposed of to a third party.
1884 Reciprocity Treaty renewed.
1887 Rights to naval base at Pearl Harbor added to the agreement between the U.S.
and Hawaii. Later that year a revolution of white (mostly American) planters forces
Hawaiian King Kalakua to create a constitutional government which becomes
dominated by minority white Americans. By 1890 the Americans control 2/3 of the
land in Hawaii.
1890 The McKinley Tariff ends the favorable sugar trade situation for Hawaii, resulting
in large losses for American planters. Americans also lose power when Queen
Liliuokalani, a strong Hawaiian nationalist, accedes to the throne in 1891. An educated
woman, (She wrote "Aloha Oe") she claims that "Hawaii is for the Hawaiians!" and
opposes political reforms.
1893 A white citizens' revolt is led by Sanford Dole, who forms a "Committee of
Safety" to overthrow the native government. U.S. diplomat Stevens violates law by
improperly ordering U.S. Marines ashore from a warship, threatening the government.
Dole becomes president of a new provisional government.
An annexation treaty is hastily sent to Washington and then submitted to the Senate
by President Harrison, but is blocked by Democrats in the Senate. When Cleveland
takes office he orders an investigation and withdraws the treaty pending answers. A
former congressman discovers wrongdoing against Queen Liliuokalani, and Cleveland
tries to restore her throne. The provisional government refuses to step down and
Cleveland is unwilling to use force in the matter. The U.S. Marines are withdrawn,
Cleveland refuses to resubmit the treaty and attention turns toward Cuba.
1894 On July 4 the Republic of Hawaii is proclaimed and is recognized by the U.S.
1898 Spanish-American War shines new light on Hawaii because of activity in the
Pacific-Hawaii a link to the Far East. McKinley negotiates a new annexation treaty, but
it is held up by anti-imperialists in the Senate. The U.S. annexes Hawaii by a joint
resolution of Congress, approved by McKinley July 7, accepted by Congress in August.
Hawaii becomes U.S. territory June 14, 1900.
Excerpted from: http://www.sagehistory.net/worldpower/imperialism.htm