Hawai'i
Taken By Force
Thesis
President Benjamin Harrison, Pres. Grover Cleveland and Minister John L. Stevens all played a big role in the overthrow and annexation of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
President Benjamin Harrison
Was the President during the reign of both King David Kalakaua and his successor Queen Lili'uokalani. President Benjamin Harrison passed the second Reciprocity Treaty and attempted to annex Hawai'i. Although he is not mentioned very much in the annexation of Hawaii, he plays a major role in the annexation.
President Grover Cleveland
President Grover Cleveland took office during the reign of Queen Lili'uokalani. As Grover took office he helped delay the annexation of Hawai'i as he showed support for the queen by cancelling the first treaty of annexation taken by Presiden Benjamin Harrison.
Minister John L. Stevens
Was a minister of the United States that participated in political activities of Hawai'i. Was a member of the Committee of Safety, which later attempted to dethrone the monarchy.
Historical Significance
Although Pres. Grover Cleveland helped slow down the annexation of Hawaii, there was too much opposition for one side to stand. Even when Grover Cleveland ordered the rebels to retreat, they opposed him still.
Is Hawai'i Legally And Lawfully A State Of The Union
Hawaii is not legally and lawfully a state of the union. Unlike the other fortynine states of the union, Hawaii does not have a legal document that clearly states an agreement from both sides stating for annexation. Hawaii was taken by rebels representing the union which later was given to the union. To this day, Hawaii still has no legal document of annexation.
Supplemental Information
annexation mainly took place in all three of these places.