8.3 Annexation by the United States

Hawaii's political landscape shifted dramatically after Queen Liliuokalani's overthrow. The Provisional Government and Republic of Hawaii replaced the monarchy, while annexation attempts faced opposition. Native Hawaiians resisted through counter-revolutions and anti-annexation organizations.

The Ku'e Petitions showcased widespread Native Hawaiian opposition to annexation. With over 21,000 signatures, they influenced U.S. senators and contributed to the initial failure of the 1897 annexation treaty. This historical record continues to impact contemporary sovereignty movements.

Political Developments and Opposition to Annexation

Political developments in Hawaii

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• Provisional Government (1893-1894) established after Queen Liliuokalani's overthrow led by Sanford B. Dole governed Hawaii temporarily
• Republic of Hawaii (1894-1898) replaced constitutional monarchy with oligarchic republic after failed annexation attempt
• Annexation attempts in 1893 (President Harrison) and 1897 (President McKinley) faced opposition and initially failed
• Liliuokalani formally protested to U.S. government and appealed to President Cleveland to restore monarchy
• Native Hawaiian resistance movements included 1895 Royalist counter-revolution and formation of anti-annexation political organizations (Hui Aloha 'Aina)

Significance of Ku'e Petitions

• Organized by Hui Aloha 'Aina and Hui Kalai'aina to demonstrate widespread opposition to annexation
• Over 21,000 signatures collected representing majority of Native Hawaiian population
• Delivered to U.S. Congress in Washington D.C. influencing some senators to oppose annexation treaty
• Contributed to initial failure of 1897 annexation treaty showcasing Native Hawaiian unity
• Preserved historical record of Native Hawaiian sentiment continues to influence contemporary sovereignty movements

U.S. Debate and Annexation

Congressional debate on annexation

• Pro-annexation arguments stressed Hawaii's strategic military importance, economic benefits, and preventing foreign acquisition
• Anti-annexation concerns included imperialism, constitutionality, racial prejudices, and potential economic competition
• Key figures: Senator John Tyler Morgan (pro-annexation) and Senator Richard Pettigrew (anti-annexation) led opposing sides
• 1897 treaty failed due to lack of two-thirds majority while 1898 Newlands Resolution passed by simple majority

Spanish-American War's impact on Hawaii

• Hawaii's strategic importance as Navy refueling station and Philippines operations staging area heightened
• Annexation urgency increased due to fears of Spanish or Japanese interference
• U.S. foreign policy shifted towards Pacific expansion and overseas territories
• War-time patriotism boosted annexation support reducing congressional opposition

Consequences for Native Hawaiian sovereignty

• Independent nationhood lost as Hawaiian government institutions dissolved and integrated into U.S. territorial system
• Crown and government lands transferred to U.S. control displacing Native Hawaiians from ancestral lands
• Hawaiian language suppressed in schools and Americanization policies affected traditional practices
• U.S. corporate control of Hawaiian economy increased changing land use and agricultural practices
• Hawaiian sovereignty debate continues shaping modern sovereignty movement
• Native Hawaiians became U.S. citizens developing complex relationship with federal government