Hawaii's Historical Annexation and Influence

The lecture explores the annexation of Hawaii by the United States, starting with the first European presence by James Cook in 1778. It discusses the arrival of American missionaries in the 1820s, who aimed to convert native Hawaiians to Christianity. Economic interests grew as Americans realized the potential for sugar and pineapple plantations. Political and strategic motives, including fears of foreign takeover and the establishment of a naval base at Pearl Harbor, furthered US interests. Queen Liliuokalani's resistance to foreign influence led to her overthrow in 1893. Despite initial hesitation, Hawaii was formally annexed by the US in 1898.

Who was the first European to establish a presence in Hawaii?

• Christopher Columbus

• Vasco da Gama

• James Cook

• Ferdinand Magellan

What was the primary reason American missionaries went to Hawaii in the 1820s?

• To explore new lands

• To convert native Hawaiians to Christianity

• To establish trade routes

• To find new agricultural opportunities

What crops were primarily grown by American settlers in Hawaii during the 1860s?

• Sugar and pineapple

• Rice and barley

• Coffee and tea

• Wheat and corn

Why did American settlers want Hawaii to become part of the USA?

• To establish a new government

• To gain access to new fishing grounds

• To avoid tariffs on Hawaiian goods

• To promote tourism

What strategic location in Hawaii was important for the US Navy?

• Hilo Port

• Kailua Bay

• Pearl Harbor

• Honolulu Harbor

What was Queen Liliuokalani's main concern regarding foreign influence in Hawaii?

• The loss of cultural heritage

• The introduction of new diseases

• The exploitation of Hawaiian resources

• The increase in tourism

What year was Queen Liliuokalani overthrown?

• 1896

• 1899

• 1893

• 1890

Which US President formally annexed Hawaii?

• Grover Cleveland

• William McKinley

• Benjamin Harrison

• Theodore Roosevelt

What did Mark Twain suggest about the impact of missionaries and traders in Hawaii?

• They improved the local economy

• They preserved Hawaiian culture

• They worked together to prepare the islands for white control

• They brought prosperity and peace

What was the main reason for the US interest in annexing Hawaii?

• To prevent other countries from taking control

• To expand agricultural production

• To promote tourism

• To establish a new government