Hawaii Annexation

America became interested in Hawaii

Keeping European powers out of Hawaii became a policy goal. American kept a foothold on Hawaii which result in Sugar trade. m

When Congress approved the McKinley Tariff, which raised import rates on foreign sugar. Hawaiian sugar planters were now being undersold in the American market, and as a result, a depression swept the islands. At the same time, the Hawaiian throne was passed to Queen Liluokalani, who determined that the root of Hawaii's problems was foreign interference.

The planters staged an uprising to overthrow the Queen. At the same time, they appealed to the United States armed forces for protection. Without Presidential approval, marines stormed the islands, and the American minister to the islands raised the stars and stripes in Honolulu. The Queen was forced to abdicate, and the matter was left for Washington politicians to settle.

War broke out with Spain. The military significance of Hawaiian naval bases as a way station to the Spanish Philippines outweighed all other considerations.

President William McKinley signed a joint resolution annexing the islands, much like the manner in which Texas joined the Union.

Hawaii remained a territory until granted statehood as the fiftieth state.