How Hawaii Became the 50th American State
From monarchy to statehood, the fascinating history of Hawaii.
The year 1959 marks the official integration of Hawaii into the United States. It’s quite interesting how a small group of islands located in the Pacific region became the 50th state to join Washington. The island’s admission into the main territory significantly helped the United States expand its territory and influence in the Pacific.
Despite the annexation, the island was denied statehood for nearly six decades. Behind the annexation and denial of statehood lies a true story that reflects the country’s imperialist nature in the twentieth century.
United States’ Pivot to Hawaii
America’s interest in Hawaii began in the early half of the 19th century. It all started when Great Britain tasked a group of missionaries to spread their faith and culture there. During the 1830s France and Britain jointly lured the island into accepting treaties by giving economic privileges. This move deeply concerned the then Secretary of State Daniel Webster who feared that European nations might colonize Hawaii. He issued a statement affirming U.S interests in the island and forbade the two countries to engage in further colonization of the island. The United States and Hawaii concluded a…
