Question
In April 1898, the American Century began with the declaration of war against Spain, driven by intense nationalism and a desire for expansion. Cuba, a Spanish colony, was in turmoil as rebels sought independence, relying on support from the United States. The sensationalist "yellow press," particularly the Hearst and Pulitzer newspapers, stoked public outrage over the situation in Cuba. Following the explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898, which resulted in significant American casualties, public sentiment for war grew. Although the Spanish government sought to negotiate, American public opinion had already turned, leading President McKinley to declare war on April 25, 1898.
The war was swift; American forces quickly defeated Spanish troops in Cuba and Puerto Rico, leading to an armistice on August 12, 1898. Alongside the war, the U.S. annexed Hawaii, marking its transformation from a hemispheric to a global power. Public opinion in 1898 was divided between expansionists, primarily Republicans, who sought to extend American influence, and opponents, mainly Democrats, who warned against imperialism and the abandonment of the Monroe Doctrine.
Despite initial resistance from business leaders and some Catholics, opposition to the war diminished as nationalist fervor rose. By the time the peace treaty with Spain was ratified, most Democrats had shifted their stance, leading to a decisive victory for expansionist policies. This shift represented not only a change in government policy but also a new American mentality, embracing a broader role in world affairs, mirroring the imperialist actions of European powers.
The U.S. annexation of Hawaii in 1898 expanded American territory in the Pacific, driven by concerns that Hawaii might fall under European control. Throughout the 19th century, U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Daniel Webster, expressed interest in Hawaii, supporting treaties that favored American economic interests. The 1875 trade reciprocity treaty further integrated Hawaii's economy with that of the U.S., leading American sugar planters to dominate local politics. In 1893, after Queen Liliuokalani attempted to strengthen the monarchy, she was deposed in a coup led by planter Samuel Dole, supported by the U.S. government. Although President Grover Cleveland opposed annexation and sought to restore the Queen, the U.S. annexed Hawaii in 1898 amid rising nationalism from the Spanish-American War. Hawaii became a territory in 1900, with Dole as its first governor, and statehood was delayed until 1959 when it was linked to Alaska in a bipartisan compromise.
To the Senate:
I submit for ratification a treaty of annexation concluded on February 14, 1893, between the United States and the Government of the Hawaiian Islands, represented by officials including Lorin A. Thurston and W. R. Castle. This provisional treaty does not address all annexation-related questions, which the Hawaiian commissioners have left for future adjustment by the U.S.
The decision to pursue annexation arises from the instability of the Hawaiian monarchy, driven by Queen Liliuokalani's policies that jeopardized both U.S. interests and the peace of the islands. The monarchy’s decline made it susceptible to manipulation, rendering restoration of the Queen unrealistic and potentially disastrous for business and civil order. The only viable paths are the establishment of a protectorate or full annexation, the latter being chosen in the treaty to best serve both Hawaiian and U.S. interests.
It is crucial that no other great power gains control of the islands, as this would threaten our safety. The absence of protests from foreign governments and their acknowledgment of the provisional Government underscores this view. Prompt Senate action on this treaty will ensure stability in Hawaii and allow time for Congress to legislate a permanent governance structure that upholds the rights of all residents and citizens.
To the Congress of the United States:
Our foreign relations have faced challenges over the past year, but there are no ongoing issues that cannot be resolved with fairness and justice. The situation in Hawaii has been particularly troubling. Just before this Administration took office, the existing Government of Hawaii was overthrown, leading to a negotiated treaty of annexation with the Provisional Government, which I later withdrew for review. I dispatched Hon. James H. Blount to conduct an impartial investigation.
His report revealed that the constitutional Government of Hawaii was subverted with the active assistance of our representative and the intimidation from a U.S. naval presence. In light of these findings, I believe the honorable course is to rectify the wrongs caused by our intervention and restore the original government as much as possible. To this end, our minister in Honolulu has been instructed accordingly, although we have yet to see definitive results.
Further updates are expected and will be communicated to Congress, along with a detailed account of the situation and events leading to it.
On January 14, 1893, Queen Liliuokalani concluded the 1892 legislative session and aimed to nullify the 1887 Bayonet Constitution, which restricted her powers and native Hawaiian rights. However, tensions in Honolulu were rising due to American interests, particularly sugar planters, advocating for Hawaii's annexation amid an economic depression.
Since Captain James Cook's arrival in 1778, foreign nations had vied for influence in Hawaii, though American presence grew dominant after the arrival of whalers and missionaries in the early 19th century. The kingdom's economic ties increasingly leaned toward the U.S. as agriculture replaced whaling, and a declining native Hawaiian population due to disease led to foreign labor outnumbering locals by the 1890s.
In response to the queen's intentions, over 160 U.S. Marines landed on January 16, 1893, leading to the proclamation of a provisional government with Sanford B. Dole as president. Liliuokalani yielded to American forces, claiming her constitutional sovereignty. Although she retained her title, she was arrested on January 16, 1895, following a failed counterrevolution. While imprisoned in Iolani Palace, she wrote about her ordeal and was forced to abdicate eight days later.
Make it sound as an 8th grader
The war was swift; American forces quickly defeated Spanish troops in Cuba and Puerto Rico, leading to an armistice on August 12, 1898. Alongside the war, the U.S. annexed Hawaii, marking its transformation from a hemispheric to a global power. Public opinion in 1898 was divided between expansionists, primarily Republicans, who sought to extend American influence, and opponents, mainly Democrats, who warned against imperialism and the abandonment of the Monroe Doctrine.
Despite initial resistance from business leaders and some Catholics, opposition to the war diminished as nationalist fervor rose. By the time the peace treaty with Spain was ratified, most Democrats had shifted their stance, leading to a decisive victory for expansionist policies. This shift represented not only a change in government policy but also a new American mentality, embracing a broader role in world affairs, mirroring the imperialist actions of European powers.
The U.S. annexation of Hawaii in 1898 expanded American territory in the Pacific, driven by concerns that Hawaii might fall under European control. Throughout the 19th century, U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Daniel Webster, expressed interest in Hawaii, supporting treaties that favored American economic interests. The 1875 trade reciprocity treaty further integrated Hawaii's economy with that of the U.S., leading American sugar planters to dominate local politics. In 1893, after Queen Liliuokalani attempted to strengthen the monarchy, she was deposed in a coup led by planter Samuel Dole, supported by the U.S. government. Although President Grover Cleveland opposed annexation and sought to restore the Queen, the U.S. annexed Hawaii in 1898 amid rising nationalism from the Spanish-American War. Hawaii became a territory in 1900, with Dole as its first governor, and statehood was delayed until 1959 when it was linked to Alaska in a bipartisan compromise.
To the Senate:
I submit for ratification a treaty of annexation concluded on February 14, 1893, between the United States and the Government of the Hawaiian Islands, represented by officials including Lorin A. Thurston and W. R. Castle. This provisional treaty does not address all annexation-related questions, which the Hawaiian commissioners have left for future adjustment by the U.S.
The decision to pursue annexation arises from the instability of the Hawaiian monarchy, driven by Queen Liliuokalani's policies that jeopardized both U.S. interests and the peace of the islands. The monarchy’s decline made it susceptible to manipulation, rendering restoration of the Queen unrealistic and potentially disastrous for business and civil order. The only viable paths are the establishment of a protectorate or full annexation, the latter being chosen in the treaty to best serve both Hawaiian and U.S. interests.
It is crucial that no other great power gains control of the islands, as this would threaten our safety. The absence of protests from foreign governments and their acknowledgment of the provisional Government underscores this view. Prompt Senate action on this treaty will ensure stability in Hawaii and allow time for Congress to legislate a permanent governance structure that upholds the rights of all residents and citizens.
To the Congress of the United States:
Our foreign relations have faced challenges over the past year, but there are no ongoing issues that cannot be resolved with fairness and justice. The situation in Hawaii has been particularly troubling. Just before this Administration took office, the existing Government of Hawaii was overthrown, leading to a negotiated treaty of annexation with the Provisional Government, which I later withdrew for review. I dispatched Hon. James H. Blount to conduct an impartial investigation.
His report revealed that the constitutional Government of Hawaii was subverted with the active assistance of our representative and the intimidation from a U.S. naval presence. In light of these findings, I believe the honorable course is to rectify the wrongs caused by our intervention and restore the original government as much as possible. To this end, our minister in Honolulu has been instructed accordingly, although we have yet to see definitive results.
Further updates are expected and will be communicated to Congress, along with a detailed account of the situation and events leading to it.
On January 14, 1893, Queen Liliuokalani concluded the 1892 legislative session and aimed to nullify the 1887 Bayonet Constitution, which restricted her powers and native Hawaiian rights. However, tensions in Honolulu were rising due to American interests, particularly sugar planters, advocating for Hawaii's annexation amid an economic depression.
Since Captain James Cook's arrival in 1778, foreign nations had vied for influence in Hawaii, though American presence grew dominant after the arrival of whalers and missionaries in the early 19th century. The kingdom's economic ties increasingly leaned toward the U.S. as agriculture replaced whaling, and a declining native Hawaiian population due to disease led to foreign labor outnumbering locals by the 1890s.
In response to the queen's intentions, over 160 U.S. Marines landed on January 16, 1893, leading to the proclamation of a provisional government with Sanford B. Dole as president. Liliuokalani yielded to American forces, claiming her constitutional sovereignty. Although she retained her title, she was arrested on January 16, 1895, following a failed counterrevolution. While imprisoned in Iolani Palace, she wrote about her ordeal and was forced to abdicate eight days later.
Make it sound as an 8th grader
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In April 1898, a big change in American history started when the U.S. declared war on Spain. This was called the Spanish-American War. People in Cuba were fighting for their freedom from Spain, and many Americans felt strongly about helping them. A group of newspapers, known as the "yellow press," made things even more intense by printing exciting stories that grabbed people's attention and made them angry about the situation in Cuba.
Things really heated up when the USS Maine, an American battleship, exploded in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898, killing many sailors. This made more people want to go to war. Although Spain tried to talk things out, Americans were already fired up, and President McKinley declared war on April 25, 1898.
The actual fighting didn't take long. American soldiers quickly defeated the Spanish in Cuba and Puerto Rico, leading to a peace agreement on August 12, 1898. During this time, the U.S. also annexed Hawaii, showing that it was starting to become a powerful country on a global scale. People were divided over expansion; some wanted to extend U.S. influence (mostly Republicans), while others, mainly Democrats, worried about becoming an empire and going against the Monroe Doctrine, which had warned against interfering in other countries.
At first, some business leaders and Catholic groups were against the war, but over time, as nationalism grew, more people changed their minds in favor of expansion. By the time the peace treaty with Spain was agreed upon, many Democrats supported it too, signifying a big shift in American attitudes about being involved in world affairs.
Hawaii was important for the U.S. because people were worried that another country might take it over. American interests in Hawaii had been growing for years. In the late 1800s, American sugar growers had a lot of power in Hawaii, and they wanted to make sure the U.S. would control Hawaii, especially when Queen Liliuokalani tried to take back some of her power. In 1893, she was overthrown in a coup led by Sanford Dole, with help from the U.S. government.
President Grover Cleveland thought annexing Hawaii was wrong and wanted to restore Queen Liliuokalani, but in 1898, the U.S. went ahead and annexed Hawaii anyway during the excitement of the Spanish-American War. Hawaii officially became a U.S. territory in 1900, with Dole as its first governor. Hawaii wouldn’t become a state until 1959, when it joined the United States along with Alaska in a compromise.
In a letter to the Senate, a government official asked them to ratify a treaty to annex Hawaii. He explained that the Hawaiian monarchy was unstable, and Queen Liliuokalani’s rule was hurting American interests. He argued that annexing Hawaii was necessary to prevent other countries from taking control of the islands and to ensure stability.
In a letter to Congress, President Cleveland talked about the trouble in Hawaii, explaining that the Hawaiian government was overthrown shortly before he took office and that he was unhappy with how the U.S. had intervened there. He aimed to restore the original government but faced challenges. He wanted Congress to be informed about the situation and hoped to fix the mistakes made by the U.S.
Before all this, when Queen Liliuokalani tried to make changes to help her people, some American sugar planters wanted Hawaii to join the U.S. because of an economic downturn. After she was overthrown by American forces on January 16, 1893, she gave up her power but remained Queen. Later, after a failed attempt to regain her throne, she was imprisoned and eventually had to give up her claim to power altogether.
Things really heated up when the USS Maine, an American battleship, exploded in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898, killing many sailors. This made more people want to go to war. Although Spain tried to talk things out, Americans were already fired up, and President McKinley declared war on April 25, 1898.
The actual fighting didn't take long. American soldiers quickly defeated the Spanish in Cuba and Puerto Rico, leading to a peace agreement on August 12, 1898. During this time, the U.S. also annexed Hawaii, showing that it was starting to become a powerful country on a global scale. People were divided over expansion; some wanted to extend U.S. influence (mostly Republicans), while others, mainly Democrats, worried about becoming an empire and going against the Monroe Doctrine, which had warned against interfering in other countries.
At first, some business leaders and Catholic groups were against the war, but over time, as nationalism grew, more people changed their minds in favor of expansion. By the time the peace treaty with Spain was agreed upon, many Democrats supported it too, signifying a big shift in American attitudes about being involved in world affairs.
Hawaii was important for the U.S. because people were worried that another country might take it over. American interests in Hawaii had been growing for years. In the late 1800s, American sugar growers had a lot of power in Hawaii, and they wanted to make sure the U.S. would control Hawaii, especially when Queen Liliuokalani tried to take back some of her power. In 1893, she was overthrown in a coup led by Sanford Dole, with help from the U.S. government.
President Grover Cleveland thought annexing Hawaii was wrong and wanted to restore Queen Liliuokalani, but in 1898, the U.S. went ahead and annexed Hawaii anyway during the excitement of the Spanish-American War. Hawaii officially became a U.S. territory in 1900, with Dole as its first governor. Hawaii wouldn’t become a state until 1959, when it joined the United States along with Alaska in a compromise.
In a letter to the Senate, a government official asked them to ratify a treaty to annex Hawaii. He explained that the Hawaiian monarchy was unstable, and Queen Liliuokalani’s rule was hurting American interests. He argued that annexing Hawaii was necessary to prevent other countries from taking control of the islands and to ensure stability.
In a letter to Congress, President Cleveland talked about the trouble in Hawaii, explaining that the Hawaiian government was overthrown shortly before he took office and that he was unhappy with how the U.S. had intervened there. He aimed to restore the original government but faced challenges. He wanted Congress to be informed about the situation and hoped to fix the mistakes made by the U.S.
Before all this, when Queen Liliuokalani tried to make changes to help her people, some American sugar planters wanted Hawaii to join the U.S. because of an economic downturn. After she was overthrown by American forces on January 16, 1893, she gave up her power but remained Queen. Later, after a failed attempt to regain her throne, she was imprisoned and eventually had to give up her claim to power altogether.
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