In 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States, adding the final star to the American flag. Before this, Hawaii had been a U.S. territory since 1898. Today, it’s a popular vacation spot known for its beautiful beaches, luaus, hula dancing, volcanoes, and historical sites like Pearl Harbor. However, the story of how Hawaii became part of the U.S. is not widely known.
Before becoming a U.S. state, Hawaii was an independent kingdom for about 80 years. It was ruled by a monarchy, including famous figures like King Kamehameha and Queen Liliuokalani. The Hawaiian monarchy had friendly relations with countries like the United States and Britain. The islands were originally settled by Polynesians from the Marquesas Islands, who arrived in canoes centuries ago.
In 1887, a major change happened in Hawaii’s monarchy with the introduction of the Bayonet Constitution. This was forced upon King Kalakaua by a small group of residents and an armed militia. The new constitution reduced the king’s power, making him more of a ceremonial figure, and created a constitutional monarchy.
European and American migrants, especially Protestant missionaries, began to influence Hawaiian society. They aimed to spread Christianity, and many Hawaiians started blending these new beliefs with their traditional practices. By 1840, Hawaii was recognized as a Christian monarchy, which changed its laws and governance.
As the descendants of these missionaries and immigrants became more involved in business and politics, they often manipulated the government for their own benefit, which negatively affected the local population. Despite being an independent nation, Hawaii faced increasing pressures from the U.S. and Britain, including military interventions during times of unrest.
When King Kalakaua died, his sister, Liliuokalani, became queen. She wanted to restore the monarchy’s power and announced plans for a new constitution. This alarmed foreign businessmen who had gained influence over the government. On January 14, 1893, these businessmen formed the Committee of Safety and sought help from the U.S. Minister to Hawaii, John L. Stevens. Stevens sent 300 U.S. Marines to the islands, allowing the committee to stage a coup. Faced with the threat of military action, Queen Liliuokalani surrendered her authority, hoping the U.S. would eventually recognize her rightful claim to the throne.
After the coup, a Provisional Government was established with Sanford Dole as its president by July 4, 1894. Although President Grover Cleveland’s administration condemned the coup, the Provisional Government ignored these findings. In 1897, with President William McKinley’s election, discussions about annexing Hawaii gained momentum. The Newlands Resolution was signed into law on July 7, 1898, officially making Hawaii a U.S. territory.
Over the next several decades, the people of Hawaii adapted to their new identity, while the descendants of early missionaries and immigrants prospered, often at the expense of the native Hawaiian population. When a referendum was held on June 27, 1959, an overwhelming 94.3% of the Hawaiian population voted in favor of statehood. This occurred after President Dwight Eisenhower had already signed the Hawaii Admission Act in March, making Hawaii the 50th state of the United States.
Research and create a detailed timeline of Hawaii’s journey from an independent kingdom to becoming the 50th state of the United States. Include key events such as the Bayonet Constitution, the overthrow of the monarchy, and the annexation. Use visuals and brief descriptions to make your timeline engaging.
Divide into groups and conduct a role-play debate. One group will represent the Hawaiian monarchy and native population, while the other represents the foreign businessmen and U.S. interests. Debate the pros and cons of Hawaii becoming a U.S. territory and later a state. Focus on understanding different perspectives from the historical context.
Choose a figure from Hawaii’s royal past, such as King Kamehameha or Queen Liliuokalani, and research their contributions and challenges during their reign. Present your findings in a creative format, such as a video, a digital presentation, or a written report, highlighting their impact on Hawaii’s history.
Create an interactive map of Hawaii that highlights significant historical sites related to its journey to statehood. Include locations such as Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace, and other relevant landmarks. Provide brief descriptions and historical significance for each site.
Watch a documentary about Hawaii’s path to statehood, focusing on the cultural and political changes during this period. After viewing, participate in a class discussion to reflect on the documentary’s insights and how they relate to the information presented in the article.
In 1959, the United States welcomed its 50th state, Hawaii. Having been a U.S. territory since 1898, Hawaii became the final star on the American flag, evolving into the popular vacation destination we know today. The islands are often associated with a rich cultural heritage, featuring luaus, hula dancing, volcanoes, and historical sites like Pearl Harbor. However, much of Hawaii’s original history and culture remains largely unknown to many Americans, largely due to the circumstances surrounding its acquisition by the U.S.
Before its transition to statehood, Hawaii was an independent kingdom for eight decades, ruled by a monarchy that included figures like King Kamehameha and Queen Liliuokalani. The Hawaiian monarchy maintained friendly relations with the United States, Britain, and other nations. The islands were originally settled by Polynesians from the Marquesas Islands, who arrived in canoes centuries earlier.
In 1887, a significant change occurred within the monarchy with the introduction of the Bayonet Constitution, which was imposed on King Kalakaua under duress. This new constitution, drafted by Lorrin A. Thurston, reduced the monarch to a ceremonial role, effectively creating a constitutional monarchy. The pressure to sign came from a small group of residents and an armed militia, which did not represent the broader Hawaiian population.
The influx of European and American migrants, particularly Protestant missionaries, began to influence Hawaiian society. These missionaries aimed to spread their beliefs, and many Hawaiians began to blend Christianity with their traditional practices. By 1840, Hawaii was recognized as a Christian monarchy, which significantly impacted its laws and governance.
As the descendants of these missionaries and immigrants became more involved in business and politics, they often sought to manipulate the government for their own benefit, which negatively affected the local population. Despite being an independent nation, Hawaii faced increasing external pressures, including military interventions from the U.S. and Britain during times of unrest.
When King Kalakaua passed away, his sister, Liliuokalani, ascended to the throne with the intention of restoring the monarchy’s power. In 1893, she announced plans to draft a new constitution to reinstate the absolute monarchy. This move alarmed the foreign businessmen who had gained influence over the government.
On January 14, 1893, a group of these businessmen formed the Committee of Safety and sought support from the U.S. Minister to Hawaii, John L. Stevens. Stevens sent 300 U.S. Marines to the islands under the pretext of protecting American lives, enabling the committee to stage a coup. Faced with the threat of military action, Queen Liliuokalani surrendered her authority in a letter to Sanford Dole, expressing her hope that the U.S. would eventually recognize her rightful claim to the throne.
Following the coup, a Provisional Government was established, with Dole as its president by July 4, 1894. Although the Grover Cleveland administration later condemned the coup in the Blount Report, the Provisional Government refused to acknowledge its findings. The subsequent Morgan Report contradicted the Blount Report, exonerating those involved in the overthrow.
In 1897, with the election of President William McKinley, discussions about annexing Hawaii gained momentum. The Newlands Resolution was signed into law on July 7, 1898, officially making Hawaii a territory of the United States. Over the next several decades, the people of Hawaii adapted to their new identity, while the descendants of early missionaries and immigrants prospered, often at the expense of the native Hawaiian population.
When a referendum was held on June 27, 1959, an overwhelming 94.3% of the Hawaiian population voted in favor of statehood. This occurred after President Dwight Eisenhower had already signed the Hawaii Admission Act in March, making Hawaii the 50th state of the United States.
Hawaii – A group of islands in the central Pacific Ocean that became the 50th state of the United States in 1959. – Hawaii’s strategic location in the Pacific made it an important site for military bases during World War II.
Monarchy – A form of government with a monarch at the head, such as a king or queen. – The overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893 led to the eventual annexation of Hawaii by the United States.
Constitution – A set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is governed. – The United States Constitution, drafted in 1787, established the framework for the federal government and is still in use today.
Missionaries – Individuals who are sent to promote religious conversion in a foreign country. – In the 19th century, American missionaries arrived in Hawaii, significantly impacting the islands’ culture and society.
Territory – An area of land under the jurisdiction of a ruler or state. – Before becoming a state, Hawaii was a U.S. territory, which meant it was governed by the United States but did not have the full rights of a state.
Annexing – The act of adding or incorporating a territory into another political entity, such as a country. – The annexing of Hawaii by the United States in 1898 was a controversial decision that followed the overthrow of its monarchy.
Population – The inhabitants of a particular area, such as a city, country, or region. – The population of Hawaii is diverse, with influences from Native Hawaiian, Asian, and Western cultures.
Influence – The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something. – The influence of European powers in the 19th century reshaped the political landscape of many regions around the world.
Statehood – The status of being a recognized independent nation or a constituent state of a federal union. – Hawaii achieved statehood in 1959, becoming the 50th state of the United States.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – Understanding the history of a nation helps us comprehend its current social and political dynamics.
