Why The United States Annexed Hawaii
In 1851, King Kamehameha III-the present king of Hawaii at that time, secretly asked the United States Government to annex his nation. However, at the time, the United States had little interest in "colonizing" the island. The secretary of state at the time was Daniel Webster, he responded to this offer by saying, "No power ought to take possession of the islands as a conquest...or colonization." What the United States did do, was establish a treaty with Hawaii so that no further colonization could take place between Hawaii and other nations. Later on however, the tables turned. It was no longer Hawaii wanting to part of the United States, but the United States that wanted Hawaii.
So what was going on throughout the 50 year time period from when King Kamehameha III secretly asked to join the United States in 1851, to when the United States actually annexed Hawaii in 1898? The answer? Greed. Throughout this 50 year time period, many sugar plantation owners took advantages of trade treaties between the two countries and forced their way into Hawaii and into the Hawaiian government. Eventually the plantation owners had more say in the Hawaiian government than many native Hawaiians.
Hawaii offered many benefits to the United States. First off, the weather there is perfect for growing sugarcane and other fruits. This reason alone brought many greedy American businessmen to the island. The island was also fertile ground for protestants looking to spread their faith. Americans found the island useful as provisioning spot for American whaling ships.
So what was going on throughout the 50 year time period from when King Kamehameha III secretly asked to join the United States in 1851, to when the United States actually annexed Hawaii in 1898? The answer? Greed. Throughout this 50 year time period, many sugar plantation owners took advantages of trade treaties between the two countries and forced their way into Hawaii and into the Hawaiian government. Eventually the plantation owners had more say in the Hawaiian government than many native Hawaiians.
Hawaii offered many benefits to the United States. First off, the weather there is perfect for growing sugarcane and other fruits. This reason alone brought many greedy American businessmen to the island. The island was also fertile ground for protestants looking to spread their faith. Americans found the island useful as provisioning spot for American whaling ships.
Strategic Location
Hawaii was of interest by the United States Navy. Not only is the island in a good strategic location in the Pacific, but it also has one of the best natural harbors in the world. By annexing the island, the United States would establish its' power in the pacific. Futhermore, the annexation would prevent any other foreign power from colonizing the island. Other countries that were interested in Hawaii included Japan, France, and Britain. The United States at the time, feared that if they did not annex Hawaii, one of the other rival countries would.
