In the context of United States history, specifically within an Advanced Placement United States History (APUSH) curriculum, the incorporation of the Hawaiian Islands into the United States is a significant event. It refers to the formal act of acquiring sovereignty over the territory, essentially making it part of the nation. This process differed from simple trade agreements or protectorate status; it involved the complete absorption of the Hawaiian Islands into the American political and economic system.
The motivations behind this action were multifaceted, ranging from economic interests, such as the lucrative sugar industry, to strategic considerations relating to naval power and expansion in the Pacific. American businessmen and sugar planters, having gained significant influence in Hawaii, played a crucial role in advocating for this integration, often to circumvent tariffs and secure greater control. Furthermore, the idea of Manifest Destiny and the belief in American exceptionalism fueled the push for territorial expansion. The islands’ strategic location as a coaling station and naval base in the Pacific was also a key factor, especially as the U.S. sought to expand its influence in Asia. The indigenous Hawaiian population generally opposed this takeover, and Queen Liliuokalani was forcibly overthrown.
