How did the Hawaiian Islands become part of the United States?

Asked 28-Oct-2018
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Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places on Earth and is a tropical paradise, with its stunning sunsets, stunning beaches, and its unique culture and traditions. 

But, how did this idyllic paradise become part of the United States

The Hawaiian Islands are a unique part of the United States, and their inclusion in the Union is a fascinating subject. For a long time, the Hawaiian Islands were an independent nation, recognized by the United States and other countries. But the Islands eventually became part of the United States in 1898. 

How did it happen?

The Hawaiian Islands are a far-flung archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States. Despite their distance from the mainland, the Hawaiian Islands have an important place in the history of the United States. From their emergence as a monarchy in the early 19th century to the annexation of the islands in 1898, the Hawaiian Islands have a complex and fascinating history with the United States.

How did the Hawaiian Islands become part of the United States

The arrival of the first Europeans to the Hawaiian Islands in 1778 marked the beginning of a long and complicated relationship between the islands and the United States. The first contact between the islands and the United States was in 1790 when the American merchant ship “Eleanora” arrived in Honolulu. In the decades that followed, American missionaries, whalers, and traders established contact with the Hawaiian people.

In the 1820s, the Hawaiian kingdom was established, with King Kamehameha I becoming the first ruler of the islands. Throughout the 19th century, the Hawaiian Islands became a popular port of call for American vessels. This led to the Hawaiian people relying heavily on trade with the United States, as the islands did not have any natural resources to trade with other countries.

As the 19th century progressed, American influence in the islands increased. This was highlighted by the Bayonet Constitution of 1887, which was drafted by American Minister John L. Stevens, who had arrived in Honolulu in 1887. The Bayonet Constitution drastically reduced the power of the Hawaiian monarchy and increased the power of American citizens residing in the islands.

The eventual annexation of the Hawaiian Islands in 1898 was the result of a long history of American influence and control in the islands. Under the Newlands Resolution, the Hawaiian Islands were officially annexed as a territory of the United States. This process was opposed by many Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, who viewed the annexation as a violation of their sovereignty.

Despite the controversial nature of the annexation, the Hawaiian Islands have since become an integral part of the United States. The islands are now home to almost 1.5 million people, who are American citizens with the same rights and privileges as any other American citizen. The Hawaiian Islands are also home to a rich culture and heritage that is celebrated across the United States.