U.S. Imperialism ~ Hawaii The first people of Hawaii arrived by canoe in the 600s. English Explorer, Captain James Cook, was the first outsider to visit Hawaii in 1778. American interest in Hawaii began as early as the 1820s, when missionaries from New England tried to spread their faith. Since the 1840s, keeping European powers out of Hawaii became a principal U.S. foreign policy goal. Americans acquired a true foothold in Hawaii as a result of the Sugar Trade. The United States government provided generous terms to Hawaiian sugar growers, and after the Civil War, profits grew. A turning point in U.S.-Hawaiian relations occurred in 1890, when Congress approved the McKinley Tariff, which raised import taxes on foreign sugar coming into the U.S. The tariff made Hawaiian sugar more expensive for Americans to buy, so Americans bought less of it, and a depression swept the Hawaiian islands. In response, the sugar planters, mostly white Americans, knew that if Hawaii were to be annexed [taken over] by the United States, the tariff problem would disappear. The tariff would disappear because they would no longer be considered foreign products. American planters forced Hawaiian King Kalakaua to accept a new constitution that gave the Americans more power and influence. Upon King Kalakaua’s death, the throne was passed to his sister, Queen Liliuokalani in 1891, who determined that the root of Hawaii's problems was foreign interference, and she advocated [fought] for Hawaiian Independence. In January 1893, the planters staged an uprising to overthrow the Queen. At the same time, they appealed to the United States armed forces for protection. Led by Sanford Dole (the Pineapple guy!), the American planters asked for her abdication [surrender of the throne] in January 1893, declared the Queen deposed [removed], and announced the establishment of a provisional government. Queen Liliuokalani Without Presidential approval, marines stormed the islands, and the American Minister to the islands raised the stars and stripes in Honolulu. To avoid bloodshed, Queen Liliuokalani surrendered, but she appealed to President Cleveland.  Cleveland was an outspoken anti-imperialist and thought Americans had acted shamefully in Hawaii.

What Do YOU See? Can you identify anyone in the cartoon? Who? Cleveland withdrew the annexation treaty from the Senate, and ordered the Queen restored to her throne, but Dole ignored the order, claiming that Cleveland did not have the authority to interfere. The Queen traveled to the U.S. and made speeches against annexation. The debate of annexation versus independence swept the nation. “Annexation Policy” McKinley John Tyler Morgan: American Politician, leader in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Pro-Imperialism. Pro-Annexation of Hawaii. Pro-Panama Canal. Cleveland’s successor, William McKinley, however, favored annexation and supported a treaty to achieve it. On July 7, 1898, Congress voted to make Hawaii a territory of the United States. What Do YOU See? Can you identify anyone in the cartoon? Who? Historical Context: What is the event or issue represented by the cartoon? When? Where? Based on the illustration, what was the artist’s perspective on the topic? Explain. Movie Clip: How did the Missionaries from New England misinterpret Hawaiian culture? Why did the Queen to surrender to the Americans?