Question

What were the arguments in opposition of the annexation of Hawaii?

Answer 1

The main argument was that the annexation would give native Hawaiians as well as the Chinese and Japanese immigrants easy American citizenship. Hawaii's minister sent a letter to try to convince him to not annexate.

Answer 2

Critics of annexation, including President Cleveland who thought it unwise and immoral, denounced the sugar interests for their plot to depose the Queen and reproached Minister Stevens for making the U.S. government a conspirator in the coup.