Age of Imperialism: During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the U.S. pursued an aggressive plan of expansionism around the globe. Exploration often led to U.S. encounters resulting in gaining lands and riches and converting or suppressing other cultures.
Image courtesy of St. Paul Daily Globe. 03 Feb. 1893
In an informational interview, Dr. Noenoe Silva stated, "Those who did this in Hawaiʻi rationalized to themselves, each other, and the major supporters in the U.S. this was the natural superiority of white folks... that darker-skinned peoples were incapable of self-government and thus white folk were empowered and entitled to take over their lands. "( Interview between Keri Kittleson and Dr. Noenoe Silva)
Image courtesy of Library of Congress
The Panic of 1893 in the U.S. was marked by economic depression, railroad failures, and the U.S. Treasury’s gold reserves fell below $100 million. Hawaii had millions of dollars in exports in 1893 (exports on sugar alone was $10,200,958) and the U.S. became more desperate to take action towards seizing Hawaii.
Image courtesy of Library of Congress
"I should welcome almost any war, for I think this country needs one." (Secretary of the U.S. Navy, Roosevelt, 1897). This military leader reveals a pro-war philosophy that is the opposite of Queen Liliuokalani. Roosevelt believed war unites people with it's governmentwhile the Queen avoided the loss of life at all costs.
Image courtesy of the New York Journal
1898: Roosevelt promotes the Spanish-American War between the U.S. and Spain. The military significance of Hawaiian naval bases as a pathway station to the Spanish Philippines rises.
Image courtesy of New York World-Telegram Archives
1941: Japanese aircraft attacked Pearl Harbor in Oahu, Hawaii. This encounter resulted in World War II and the Hawaiian Islands were the chief Pacific base for U.S. forces.
1959: The majority of voters for Statehood were American military servicemen; the occupation force that had illegally held Hawaii since the unlawful annexation in 1898.