The 1897 Petition Against the Annexation of Hawaii

Though Benjamin Harrison had submitted another treaty to the Senate, it was blocked by the Hawaiian Patriotic League (newly-formed). This League consisted of native Hawaiians, who was successful in petitioning the United States Congress opposition of the treaty. Their lobbying efforts resulting in less than 2/3 majority of those favoring the annexation. Though, after there was an explosion of the U.S.S. Maine in February of 1998, which was a precursor of the Spanish American War, the United States had made a goal to construct a mid-Pacific fueling station. A naval base became very important for the United States. Hawaii, of course, was the best choice. This time, the United States Congress annexed Hawaii by Joint Resolution, a processs only needing a simple majority in both houses of Congress. On July 12, 1898, the Joint Resolution passed, and the Hawaiian ialnsa were now annexed by the United States.

Anti-Annexation Petitioners