Imperialism
At the turn of the 20th century, Americans debated imperialism, where countries increase power by gaining control over other parts of the world. Annexationists argued Hawai’i would be critical for US defense and trade. Anti-annexationists argued annexing Hawai’i was unjust.
Imperial Prestige
To many Americans, the US deserved to be recognized as a strong country. Americans reasoned that if European countries took colonies, America should as well.
"Colonies, Dependencies, and Trade Routes, 1912," 1926, Perry- Castañeda Library Map Collection
"The Only Way To Stop Those Periodical Eruptions," 1897, Library of Congress
No “Consent of the Governed”
Some anti-annexationists thought that US control was unjust because the US was founded on the principle of “consent of the governed” and native Hawaiians did not consent. Wasn't this a double standard?
"The military occupation of Honolulu by the United States on the day mentioned was wholly without justification, either as an occupation by consent or as an occupation necessitated by dangers threatening American life and property. It must be accounted for in some other way and on some other ground, and its real motive and purpose are neither obscure nor far to seek."
~ President Grover Cleveland
"Much as we may deplore the necessity for territorial acquisition, the people now believe that the United States owes it to civilization to accept the responsibilities imposed upon it by the fortunes of war."
~ Chicago Times-Herald
National Defense and Trade
Annexationists saw Hawaiʻi as key for Pacific defense and trade. The Islands could defend against attack from a Pacific power. Annexationists also reasoned that if the US did not annex Hawaiʻi, a rival would. Hawaiʻi was perceived as the gateway to the lucrative ports of East Asia. The Islands could be used for American war and merchant ships to rest and refuel while in transit to Asia. This was realized during the Spanish-American War in 1898 when Hawaiʻi served as a refueling stop for warships heading to the Philippines.
"In a military and naval sense and commercially the importance of the acquisition of the Hawaiian Islands can not be exaggerated... Hawaii is the Gibraltar of the Pacific in war, the key of the Pacific in peace, the paradise of the Pacific ever."
~ Representative William Knox, Massachusetts
1897, Library of Congress