The U.S. Annexation of Hawaii
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Overview: Before James Cook stumbled upon Hawaii, in 1778. Hawaii was
a cultured civilization with a population between 400,000 to 800,000 natives.
However, Cook’s adventure led to the three strongest nations at the time, Great Britain,
France, and the United States gaining knowledge of the islands. France and
Great Britain attempted to take over the islands, but after many failures, they’ve
realized they needed help from the United States. As more people came to
the Hawaiian Islands, they brought with them contagious diseases such as
the measles, which contributed to the loss of thousands of Hawaiian natives.
Afraid of a takeover by Great Britain or France, the king at the time King
Kamehameha III signed a secret treaty with the United States in 1851 to grant
protection to the small nation if the French tried to attack. Later, the king continued
to request the annexation of Hawaii, but before the request could be fulfilled,
King Kamehameha III passed. Queen Liliuokalani became ruler of Hawaii after
the king’s passing. Several troubles faced Hawaii, such as the rebellions, other
nations, and the U.S. government. Finally, the U.S. annexed Hawaii in 1898
and celebrated coming together.