Annexing Hawaii

Annexing Hawaii
Madison Normnent

   As the trade with Asia grew in the 1800’s Americans were seeking ports to refuel and resupply while going over the Pacific. Pago Pago, Samoan Islands had one of the best Harbors in the South Pacific.

   In 1819 American Missionaries went to Hawaii where they found sugarcane. Sugarcane grew very well in Hawaii’s climate and many of the Americans began to make plantations. 1878 the United States had negotiated permission to open a base their. During 1872 a recession struck Hawaii, Hawaiians worried about the economic crisis. The United States signed a treaty exempting Hawaiian sugar from tariffs. A few years later their treaty was due for renewal. Senate insisted that Hawaii allow United States exclusive rights to naval base at Pearl Harbor. The renewed treaty led to great wealth with sugar plantation owners. In 1887 planters began to pressure the Hawaiian king into accepting constitution that limited his authority. Then in 1890 congress passed a new tariff. This new tariff gave subsidies to sugar producers in the U.S.. It made Hawaiian sugar more expensive than American.

   In 1891 Queen Liliuokalani left the Hawaiian throne. She didn’t like the influence that the American settlers had gained in Hawaii. January, 1893, Liliuokalani made a new constitution remaking her authority as ruler. A group of planters didn’t agree and in turn tried to overthrow monarchy. They were supported by marines from USS Boston who forced the Queen to step down. Then they set up a provisional government and asked the United States to annex Hawaii. President Cleveland opposed imperialism and withdrew the annexation treaty and tried to restore power to the queen. Hawaii’s new leader refused to do so and chose to wait for Cleveland to leave office. Five years later the United State annexed Hawaii.