Annexation of Hawaii: The Newlands Resolution of July 7, 1898

On July 7, 1898, U.S. President William McKinley signed the Newlands Resolution, a significant legislative measure whereby the Republic of Hawaii was annexed as a territory of the United States.

Context Leading to Annexation

The path to the annexation of Hawaii was marked by political, economic, and strategic considerations:

• Overthrow of the Monarchy: In 1893, a group of American and European businessmen, aided by the support of the U.S. Minister to Hawaii, orchestrated a coup that overthrew Queen Liliʻuokalani. The provisional government sought annexation to the United States immediately after the overthrow.

• Economic Interests: American businessmen owned a vast majority of the Hawaiian sugar plantations, making economic integration with the U.S. beneficial, particularly after the McKinley Tariff of 1890, which imposed tariffs on imported sugar.

• Strategic Military Importance: Located in the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii provided an ideal location for a naval base, which became imperative for U.S. strategic interests, particularly during the Spanish-American War. The importance of Pearl Harbor was becoming evident for military strategy.

Key Provisions of the Newlands Resolution

Introduced by Congressman Francis Newlands of Nevada, the resolution authorized the annexation of Hawaii and included several key points:

• Transfer of Sovereignty: Sovereignty over the islands was transferred from the Republic of Hawaii to the United States, marking the transformation of Hawaii into a U.S. territory.

• Commitment to Future Statehood: While the resolution did not confer immediate statehood, it opened the pathway for Hawaii to eventually become a U.S. state.

• Land Ownership and Citizenship: The resolution allowed for the assimilation of Hawaiian lands into the public domain and extended U.S. laws to the islands, though it did not immediately confer citizenship upon the native Hawaiian people.

Consequences and Historical Significance

• Military and Strategic Growth: Hawaii’s annexation paved the way for the establishment of key military installations, such as Pearl Harbor, which later played a pivotal role in World War II.

• Cultural and Political Changes: The integration brought significant cultural and political shifts, impacting indigenous Hawaiian society and leading to increased American influence in the Pacific region.

• Pathway to Statehood: While the annexation made Hawaii a territory in 1898, it would not become a state until August 21, 1959.

This annexation marked a crucial turning point in U.S. expansionism, reflecting broader trends of imperialism at the turn of the 20th century and underscoring the growing American influence in global affairs.