The Annexation of Hawaii: A Racial and Economic Perspective
The annexation of Hawaii by the United States in the late 19th century is a complex and controversial chapter in American and world history. This process was initiated by a combination of factors, including racial inferiority views held by white people and significant economic interests of American business interests. This essay explores the underlying motivations and circumstances that led to the annexation of Hawaii, highlighting the role of racism and economic ambitions.
The Root of Racism
The pre-existing belief in white racial superiority was a significant factor in the decision to annex Hawaii. This belief originated from the interactions between Europeans and non-white populations, where white people often believed they had superior technology and moral and intellectual standards. This view was reinforced by the Papal Bull of 1537, which declared that non-whites also possessed potential humanity. This declaration, coupled with the belief that non-whites were inherently less intelligent and moral, justified the treatment of the indigenous population as second-class citizens or even sub-human.
Indigenous Awareness and Reality
It is important to note that the Hawaiian ali'i rulers, or chiefs, were not fully aware of the extent of contempt held by the white ruling class, including the "Big Five" oligarchs who dominated the sugar plantations. Despite some intermarriage between Hawaiians and whites, the rulers were not completely na?ve about the condition of their people. However, they did not fully grasp the depth of the racism and contempt felt by many white Americans and others. This misunderstanding led to the harsh treatment of the native population, which included the depiction of Hawaiian royalty in white newspapers and cartoons as stereotypically racist African-American images.
Economic Interests and Strategic Value
Although the Hawaiian monarchy was deposed in 1893, the United States did not immediately annex Hawaii. It took an additional five years before Hawaii officially became the Territory of Hawaii in 1898 and was ultimately annexed in 1900 before becoming the 50th state in 1959. The primary economic motivations behind the annexation were the significant profits generated by the sugar plantations owned by the Big Five oligarchs and the strategic location of Hawaii.
End of Monarchy and Transition
The overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy was driven by both economic and political motivations. A few powerful families, the Big Five sugar planters, were amassing immense wealth and sought to consolidate their control over the territory. The importation of contract labor from Asia, which created a plantation economy where labor conditions were akin to slavery, further motivated the transition.
Strategic Location
Hawaii’s strategic position in the Pacific, as a linchpin between the Americas and Asia, was also a crucial factor. This location made Hawaii a valuable asset for both military and commercial purposes. Its proximity to trade routes and potential naval bases would greatly benefit the United States' geopolitical interests, particularly in the early 20th century.
Conclusion
The annexation of Hawaii by the United States was a result of a combination of racist ideologies, economic ambition, and strategic interests. This territorial acquisition was not a straightforward process and was marked by significant challenges and controversies. The unique cultural and historical context of Hawaii provides a lens through which to understand the complex dynamics underlying colonial expansion and racial hierarchies in the 19th century.