The Reciprocity Treaty of 1875 The Start of the End for Hawaii

What is “Reciprocity?” A situation or relationship in which two people or groups agree to do something similar for each other, to allow each other to have the same rights, etc. Usually “mutual” – where both sides agree. Example trading. “Reciprocal,” “reciprocate.”

Why did Hawaii need a reciprocity? During Kalakaua’s reign, his monarchy inherited debt from the previous king, Lunalilo: High tariffs (import or export tax) on Hawaiian sugar to America. Leprosy was a big problem in Hawaii. The death of Lunalilo

Reciprocity Treaties of the Past Hawaii- United States Treaty (1826) Opened trade between the United States and Hawaii. Allowed American ships to enter Hawaii ports for trading purposes. Nowhere did it state that they United States will respect the sovereignty (independence, self-governance)of the Hawaiian Islands.

Reciprocity Treaties of the Past Hawaii-United States Treaty (1849) Americans were allowed to live in Hawaii. Americans living in Hawaii obtain freedoms, such as searches and seizures of property. Cargo in American ships to Hawaii were not taxed.

The Reciprocity Treaty of 1875 The Reciprocity Treaty was proposed, drafted, and passed during the reign of Hawaiian King David Kalakaua. Attempts to preserve Hawaiian sovereignty were severely diminished by the Reciprocity Treaty. “Sovereignty” – Independence, self-rule.

The Reciprocity Treaty of 1875 Article I of the Reciprocity Treaty: The article listed certain Hawaiian goods that could be imported to the United States duty-free. “duty-free” – tax free. Products were excluded from duties such as bananas, hides and skins, castor oil, and plants.

The Reciprocity Treaty of 1875 Article II: In Article II, the treaty created a list of items to be imported to Hawaii from the United States: meats, metals, cotton, books, furs, lumber, plants, salt, linens, etc.

The Reciprocity Treaty of 1875 Article III: The treaty gave the United States and Hawaii freedom to propose rules and regulations to protect the importing and exporting of the products being traded.

The Reciprocity Treaty of 1875 Article IV: The treaty gave the United States the exclusive (the only country) right to trade with Hawaii “duty-free.”

The Reciprocity Treaty of 1875 In reality, what the treaty did was establish the control and monopoly of the United States over Hawaii. By closely aligning itself with Hawaiian sugar trade, the United States was strengthening its business interests in the islands.