Hawai I's Annexation Essay

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In understanding the history of Hawai’i’s overthrow, it is important to consider the crucial moments that caused it, its effects, and how a government can be legitimate. Exploring the causes of Hawai’i’s overthrow reveals that economic interests of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Western imperialism, and annexation ideology are notable factors. These elements led to significant effects, including the creation of the Republic of Hawai’i and the eventual annexation by the United States. Yet, this new government raises questions about legitimacy since governments are dependent on various factors, but broadly speaking, they rely on their citizens’ consent and support from foreign powers. Looking deeper into the economic interests of the Hawaiian Kingdom …show more content…

Additionally, Hawai’i joined the Family of Nations, and members abided by The Law of Nations, which stated how they should act towards each other. By the early 1800’s, many foreigners came to the islands. However, these foreigners wanted to own some parts of the land. This concept of owning land was new to Native Hawaiian people since land is shared. To ease the tensions between Hawai’i and its foreigners, King Kauikeaouli now had to worry about the economic interests of these new foreign businessmen and investors who increasingly wanted to own more and more things. Kauikeaouli solved this problem with the help of British officials ruling in favor of Hawai’i, further solidifying the economic interests of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Many years later, the newly elected King David Kalakaua faced a similar issue that caused Western imperialism to take over Hawai’i. Furthermore, the issue started to arise with the Reciprocity Treaty, a free trade agreement between Hawai’i and the United States. The original agreement included the United States gaining exclusive use over Pearl Harbor, but Kalakaua …show more content…

Later, when the treaty was nearing its end, the United States once again demanded the rights to Pearl Harbor, but again Kalakaua denied it. This time, foreigners and sugar businessmen in Hawai’i wanted the King to agree to the treaty. Frustrated by his refusal, they decided to create a political group called the Reform Party, with many members also members of the Honolulu Rifles. As a result, these rifle club members surrounded the palace, and inside the Reform Party threatened King Kalakaua to sign a document, known as the Bayonet Constitution. Under immense pressure, he signed the constitution, which reduced his political authority significantly and gave power to a new cabinet composed of Reform Party members. With their newfound power, the party renewed and agreed to the original treaty giving America exclusive rights to use Pearl Harbor. This uncontrolled shift in power further demonstrated that Western imperialism was taking over the Hawaiian Kingdom. Unfortunately, a new act, named the McKinley Tariff Act, caused turbulence in the Hawaiian Kingdom’s

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