Question

Make a list of arguments against the annexation of Hawaii by the US government

Answer 1

List of arguments against the annexation of Hawaii:

Hawaiian people not consulted

American people not consulted

unconstitutional method of increasing US territory

Hawaii too remote; too costly to defend

ethnically diverse population in Hawaii

not crucial for the US commercial interests of business and trade

not militarily necessary for the United States

better to secure independence of Hawaiian people with a more favorable policy rather than a takeover

Justification: One argument against the annexation was that it wasn’t crucial to the US commercial interests of business and trade. Even though the United States had extensive trade relations with Hawaii, it didn’t really need to annex the islands. The United States was engaged in trade across the world. It could have found a substitute trade partner that was also financially profitable instead of annexing the islands to prevent its colonization by others.

Edmentum Answer

Answer 2

There are several reasons why we might oppose to the annexation of Hawaii by the United States government. Some of this could be:

• The fact that all people and nations have the right to govern themselves. Hawaiians deserve to make their own decisions.
• The deposition of Queen Liliuokalani was forceful, and did not follow democratic or legal procedures.
• A treaty of friendship, as existed originally, already gives the United States many privileges in terms of trade.
• The economy of Hawaii was already very integrated to that of the United States.
• A new state in the country represents a significant expense for the federal government.