Question

The annexation of Hawaii in 1898 is a complicated event in history that touches on important ideas like imperialism, economics, national security, and culture. People who support the annexation believe it was necessary for the U.S. to expand its influence in the Pacific, while those against it argue that it was an unjust interference in the affairs of a country that had its own government.

From a political point of view, taking control of Hawaii made sense for the U.S. The islands were key for refueling naval ships, especially during the Spanish-American War. American businesses had also invested a lot in Hawaii’s sugar and pineapple industries. In 1893, American planters, with help from the U.S. government, overthrew Queen Liliʻuokalani. This paved the way for the annexation, and supporters claimed it was important for U.S. security and economic stability.

However, the ethics of annexing Hawaii raise big questions. The overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy wasn't just a political move; it was a forceful end to a country's right to govern itself. The Hawaiian people had their own rich culture and government, and many argue they lost their independence through this imperialistic act. This brings up important moral questions about whether the U.S. did the right thing in annexing Hawaii.

Today, discussions around this topic focus on the reasons behind colonization and imperialism. Many Native Hawaiians see the annexation and later statehood as a form of occupation. Modern conversations about self-determination, land rights, and cultural preservation show the lasting effects of annexation and the hardships faced by Hawaiian people. There’s a clash between U.S. economic interests and Hawaiian identity that raises questions about how to make things right.

In summary, although some argue the annexation of Hawaii was justified for strategic and economic reasons, we must not ignore the ethical concerns. I believe that the U.S. should not have annexed Hawaii without the agreement of the Hawaiian people. The matter of sovereignty, the violent removal of the monarchy, and the ongoing effects on Hawaiian culture suggest that the annexation was more about imperial power than a genuine partnership. Understanding this difficult history is crucial for addressing modern issues related to Hawaiian rights and identity.

put it in 2 paragraphs

Answer 1

The annexation of Hawaii in 1898 represents a complex intersection of imperialism, economics, national security, and cultural identity. Proponents of the annexation argued that it was essential for the U.S. to expand its influence in the Pacific, particularly for strategic military purposes and economic interests in the sugar and pineapple industries. The overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani in 1893 by American planters, supported by the U.S. government, paved the way for annexation, emphasizing the perceived need for American security and economic stability during events like the Spanish-American War.

However, the ethical implications of this annexation raise significant moral questions, as it fundamentally disrupted Hawaii’s sovereignty and the rights of its people to govern themselves. The forceful removal of the monarchy and the subsequent annexation are seen by many as acts of imperialism that disregarded the rich culture and autonomy of the Hawaiian people. Ongoing discussions today focus on the lasting effects of this historical event, including issues of self-determination, land rights, and cultural preservation. The tension between U.S. economic interests and Hawaiian identity highlights the need for a deeper understanding of this history, suggesting that the annexation was more a matter of imperial power than genuine partnership, and calling for acknowledgment of the rights and voices of the Native Hawaiian community.