Hawaii+before+American+Imperialism+(before+1890)

- Hawaii Home - || - During - || - After - || - Queen Liliuokalani - || - Works Consulted -

Before
Prior to 1898, Hawaii was an independent nation recognized by Germany, the United States, England, and France. However, the United States government was concerned that an imperialistic European nation would take over and exploit Hawaii's sugar resources. This greatly concerned the Americans because of their dependency on the sugar trade, it's use as a military base in the Pacific, and its use as a shipping "rest stop." By exercising the [|Monroe Doctrine], the United States was able to keep the European nations from moving into Hawaii.

During the 1850s, American investors in the [|Hawaiian sugar industry] gradually increased their control over the islands' government and economy. Then, in 1880 America was beginning to see how vital the Hawaiian Islands were to their economy in the west. As [|Pearl Harbor] was used more and more by the States, it was seen as a key location for shipping between the west coast and Asia. With other nations expanding to Asia, the United States wanted to make sure that Hawaii did not end up in the hands of some European super power. Also, America felt that they would need a strong foothold in the islands as to not loose this significant location. However, Hawaii was being exploited and Queen Liliuokalani tried to regain the monarchy in her kingdom.