Hawaii becomes a United States territory.

In 1898, Hawaii officially became a territory of the United States after years of growing American influence in the islands. American business owners had become deeply involved in Hawaii’s sugar industry, and many supported closer political ties with the United States. After Queen Lili?uokalani attempted to restore power to the Hawaiian monarchy, a group of American and European settlers overthrew her government in 1893. This led to the establishment of a temporary government that pushed for annexation by the United States.

The United States was interested in Hawaii because of its strategic location in the Pacific Ocean. During the Spanish-American War, American leaders recognized Hawaii as an important stop for naval ships and military operations. In 1898, Congress passed the Newlands Resolution, officially annexing Hawaii to the United States. Two years later, Hawaii was organized as a U.S. territory, giving the federal government greater control over the islands while residents had limited political power.

The annexation of Hawaii remains a controversial event in history. Many Native Hawaiians opposed the loss of their independent kingdom and believed the overthrow of the monarchy was unjust. Despite the controversy, Hawaii continued to grow economically and culturally under U.S. rule. Eventually, in 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States, marking a major turning point in its history and relationship with the mainland.