EP 165: The Annexation of Hawaii

This week on Hashtag History, we will be discussing the annexation of Hawaii…otherwise known as the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Because, when Hawaii was annexed to the United States, becoming the fiftieth state to join the union, it was done so via a coup de tat that overthrew the sovereignty of the Hawaiian people, something the vast majority of them were largely against. The US’s motivations were obvious: they had major economic interests in Hawaii from the goods available there (like sugar and pineapple) but also the access to a naval base in the Pacific at Pearl Harbor. Tourism wasn’t much of a thing at the time when this happened in the 1890s, but we know in the long run that the annexation of Hawaii, though not motivated by tourism back in the 1890s, certainly has played a large role in the US’s continued interest in it. Nearly 10 million people visit Hawaii every year, with 7 to 7.5 million of those tourists being from the Mainland.The US’s annexation of Hawaii was so bad that Congress formally apologized for it in 1993 (the 100th anniversary of the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy), acknowledging that what they had done was morally unethical and that the Hawaiian people had never formally relinquished their lands and sovereignty to the US.Follow Hashtag History on Instagram @hashtaghistory_podcast for all of the pictures mentioned in this episode.Citations for all sources can be located on our website at www.HashtagHistory-Pod.com. You can also check out our website for super cute merch!You can now sponsor a cocktail and get a shout-out on air! Just head to www.buymeacoffee.com/hashtaghistory or head to the Support tab on our website!You can locate us on www.Patreon.com/hashtaghistory where you can donate $1 a month to our Books and Booze Supply. All of your support goes a long ways and we are endlessly grateful! To show our gratitude, all Patreon Supporters receive an automatic 15% OFF all merchandise in our merchandise store, a shoutout on social media, and stickers!THANKS FOR LISTENING!- Rachel and LeahEditor: Alex PerezCopyright: The Hashtag History Podcast