AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Annexation of Hawaii (Day 219/309)

Hey APUSHers, let’s chat about the Annexation of Hawaii as part of my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

Sugar Plantation, Koloa, Kauai, Punahou School

In the late 19th century, the Hawaiian economy became increasingly interconnected to the U.S. as a result of American migration to the islands to take part in the lucrative sugar trade.

Bluejackets of the U.S.S. Boston occupying Arlington Hotel grounds during overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani, Wikimedia Commons

Due to issues with sugar tariffs and a potential new Hawaiian Constitution, American planters, backed by the U.S. military overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy, led by Queen Lili’uokalani in 1893 and then requested annexation to the United States.

Photo and Protest Letter of Queen Lili’uokalani, Wikimedia Commons

Grover Cleveland, president at the time, opposed annexation and unsuccessfully tried to restore the Queen to power. Subsequent President William McKinley, an imperialist, worked with Congress to officially annex the islands in 1898 despite Hawaiian resistance.

“Another shotgun wedding, with neither party willing,” Library of Congress

The overthrow and annexation stirred debates about imperialism, sovereignty, and the treatment of indigenous peoples, raising questions about the ethical dimensions of U.S. expansionism. 

The annexation of Hawaii was primarily driven by desires for economic expansion and control in the Pacific and was a controversial process with significant economic, political, and cultural implications. 

Join me tomorrow as I explain the Causes of the Spanish-American War in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!