About the Annexation of Hawaii

Articles and information about the annexation of Hawaii.

During the 1800's it became clear to the United States that Hawaii was becoming more important as a commercial export resource and as a strategic location for defense in the Pacific region.

The United States was also becoming concerned about the possibility that Hawaii might become part of a European nation's empire, possibly Great Britain or France.

When Queen Liliuokalani proposed a new Hawaiian constitution 1893, that would restore the power of the Hawaiian monarchy, the United States became even more concerned.

Five years later, on July 7, 1898, U.S. President McKinley signed a bill which resulted in the United States Annexing Hawaii.

The Hawaii Annexation or "How to Steal a Kingdom"
From an article by Eurie Chung and Ashwini Mate on the Web site of the "Asians in America" project: "The key historical event that allowed for Hawaiian statehood was the United States-sponsored overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani in 1893 and subsequent annexation of Hawaii as an American territory in 1898. Queen Liliuokalani took the throne in 1891, unaware of the fact that she would be the last monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom."

U.S. State Department on the Annexation of Hawaii
A description of the events leading up the United States annexation of Hawaii, from the United States point of view. From the Web site of the U.S. Department of State.

The United States Apology to Hawaii
United States Public Law 103-105 was signed by U.S. President Clinton on November 23, 1993, to acknowledge the 100th anniversary of the U.S. overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy. The bill formally apologizes for the role the United States played in the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom on January 17, 1893.

Hawaii Annexation Documents
A collection of documents related to the United States annexation of Hawaii. The collection includes the "Affairs of Hawaii" Blount Report, the Hawaii Organic Act, an Anti-Annexation Petition, and other document related to the U.S. annexation of Hawaii. From the Web site of the University of Hawaii.

Hawaii Annexation Timeline
A timeline of the events leading up to the United States annexation of Hawaii, on the "Perspectives on Hawaiian Sovereignty" Web site. Covers the period between March 1897 and December 1898.

Overthrow and Annexation: A Bibliography (PDF)
These materials related to the Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdon and the United States Annexation of Hawaii are available in the Hawaii and Pacific Section of the Hawaii State Library at 478 South King Street in the historic capitol district of Downtown Honolulu.

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History of Hawaii Resources

General Information About Hawaii

Visitor Destinations in Hawaii

Hawaii for Visitors

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