Why Is The Annexation Of Hawaii Controversial

The annexation of Hawaii was a controversial event in American history that took place between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Hawaii had been an independent kingdom until a group of American businessmen, supported by the U.S. government, overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893. The annexation of Hawaii was a long-standing goal of American imperialism which saw the islands as a strategic location for military bases and a potential source of economic profit. The annexation was opposed by many but despite the controversy, the United States annexed Hawaii in 1898, making it a U.S. territory until it became a state in 1959. The annexation of Hawaii remains a subject of debate and controversy to this day, with some arguing that it was a

Others opposed to the annexation included "missionaries, humanitarians, and anti-imperialists…"( “The Annexation Of Hawaii” ) who expressed worries about the effects it would have on the Hawaiian people and their culture. These opponents claimed that the annexation would go against the values of democracy and self-determination and was not in the best interests of Hawaii or the United States. Some people believed that US commercial interests could use the annexation to control Hawaiian markets and resources. Despite these protests, the US eventually annexed Hawaii in 1898. Also, a large number of Americans opposed annexing Hawaii at the end of the 19th century. Some felt that the annexation would go against democratic principles and the Hawaiian people's right to self-determination. Others countered that it might result in future conflicts and create a bad precedent for American foreign policy. There were also worries that the annexation would result in the extraction of Hawaiian resources and the eviction of indigenous Hawaiians from their homes. Anti-imperialists, Democrats, and many Hawaiians themselves who organized a movement to reject American rule were among those who opposed the annexation. In the end, their efforts to stop the annexation proved unsuccessful, and Hawaii became a U.S. territory in

Some considered Hawaii as a crucial strategic site for military purposes, as noted by Bonnie Smith in her book "Imperialism: A History in Documents," with one pro-annexation speaker stating that "Hawaii is very necessary as a coaling and repair station for our warships" (Smith 109). Others thought that Hawaii's annexation would open up new business prospects, particularly in the sugar sector. Sugar growers on the West Coast believed that annexation would shield them from Hawaiian competition and guarantee them a consistent supply of low-cost labor. But, it wasn't just politicians and corporate interests who supported annexation. The annexation of Hawaii was viewed by many Americans as a means of promoting American culture and ideals and, "missionary groups who had long operated in the islands supported annexation, believing that American rule would bring order, morality, and Christianity to the Hawaiian people…" (Smith 110). In general, annexation supporters saw it as a chance for the United States to further establish itself as a major world