Process of Annexation

For 11 years, white business men and native Hawaiians had been fighting for control of the Hawaiian government. In 1983, the last ruler of Hawaii, Queen Liliuokalani, was over thrown by white businessmen who wanted to change Hawaiian government. Soon after Hawaii was overthrown, President Harrison made a treaty to annex Hawaii. The treaty was blocked in 1987 by a native Hawaiian group, Hawaiian Patriotic League, when they successfully petitioned the U.S. Congress. Only 46 senators were left in favor of the annexation, that is less then 2/3 majority needed in order to approve the treaty. The victory was short lived, because the Spanish American War started with the explosion of the U.S.S. Maine, and America needed a reliable naval base for the war. The best place for that was Hawaii, therefore; Congress voted to annex Hawaii by Joint Resolution. Joint Resolution is a simply majority of both houses of Congress. The Joint Resolution passed on July 12, 1898, and Hawaii officially became annexed by the United States.

President Benjamin Harrison.

Made treaty to annex Hawaii

U.S.S. Maine.