American interest in the Hawaiian Islands goes back to post-revolutionary days when American traders first started traversing the Pacific. Hawaii was a convenient stopping-off place for ships bound for China and Japan. American missionaries arrived in the islands in the early 19th century, and the scenery, climate and valuable crops like sugar and fruits attracted the attention of investors. In 1842 Secretary of State Daniel Webster recognized the importance of Hawaii for the United States. Native Hawaiians wanted to resist foreign intervention and saw the U.S. as an ally in that effort. Although America made no move to annex or otherwise control Hawaii, American policy consistently sought to keep others from extending their influence over the islands.
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When President Cleveland took office in March 1889, he withdrew the treaty and ordered an investigation. Cleveland sent former congressman James Blount to Hawaii. Blount reported wrongdoing against Queen Liliuokalani, and President Cleveland tried to have her restored to her throne. But the provisional government refused to step down and Cleveland was unwilling to use force in the matter. The U.S. Marines were withdrawn, however, and Cleveland refused to resubmit the treaty to the Senate. On July 4, 1894, the Republic of Hawaii was proclaimed and was recognized by the U.S.
Following the Spanish-American War, which had shone a new light on Hawaii because of activity in the Pacific—Hawaii was a vital link to the Far East—President McKinley negotiated a new annexation treaty, but it was blocked by anti-imperialists in the Senate, failing to get the necessary 2/3 vote. Congress then annexed Hawaii by a joint resolution of Congress, which required only a simple majority. President McKinley approved the resolution on July 7, and Hawaii became a U.S. territory on June 14,
In …show more content…
When President Cleveland took office in March 1889, he withdrew the treaty and ordered an investigation. Cleveland sent former congressman James Blount to Hawaii. Blount reported wrongdoing against Queen Liliuokalani, and President Cleveland tried to have her restored to her throne. But the provisional government refused to step down and Cleveland was unwilling to use force in the matter. The U.S. Marines were withdrawn, however, and Cleveland refused to resubmit the treaty to the Senate. On July 4, 1894, the Republic of Hawaii was proclaimed and was recognized by the U.S.
Following the Spanish-American War, which had shone a new light on Hawaii because of activity in the Pacific—Hawaii was a vital link to the Far East—President McKinley negotiated a new annexation treaty, but it was blocked by anti-imperialists in the Senate, failing to get the necessary 2/3 vote. Congress then annexed Hawaii by a joint resolution of Congress, which required only a simple majority. President McKinley approved the resolution on July 7, and Hawaii became a U.S. territory on June 14,