Why hawaii became a state. The state encompasses nearly the entire hawaiian archipelago 137 islands spread over 1500 miles 2400 km. Just two years after her accession and amid attempts to adopt a new constitution to restore power to the monarchy she was overthrown in a coup at iolani palace. Hawaiians claimed it was necessary for them to be considered a state and not just a mere territory due to the loyalty it granted the united states during world war ii.
After wwii had ended hawaiians themselves desired us statehood. It took 60 years from the time hawaii became a united states territory until it was declared a state on august 21st 1959. Following the wars end in 1945 the state took a long journey toward statehood.
But still hawaii didnt become a state until 18 years after the attack in 1959. Eventually alaska became the 49 th state at the beginning of 1959. Hawaiis statehood was deferred by the united states until 1959 because of racial attitudes and nationalistic politics.
This brought the united states as well as hawaii into world war ii. There were many hawaiian petitions for statehood during the first half of the 20th century. Hawaiis importance as a military outpost became critical when japan attacked pearl harbor on december 7 1941.
On august 21 1959 hawaii was admitted to the union as our 50th state. After kalakauas death in 1891 his sister queen liliuokalani became hawaiis last reigning monarch. In a way the horrific attack earned the respect of the american people.
Hawaii hevji is a state of the united states of america located in the pacific oceanit is the only us. Some 3000 americans died that day and it galvanized the american population. It officially became a state on august 21 1959.
In 1959 hawaiis status was linked to alaskas and both territories became states that year. Even during the 14 year intervening period before hawaii was formally conferred statehood the 49 th state record label was immensely popular in the hawaiian islands. Hawaii h e w a i he wy ee.
Eisenhower signs a proclamation admitting hawaii into the union as the 50th state. Hawaii becomes 50th state the modern united states receives its crowning star when president dwight d. State located outside north america the only island state and the only state in the tropics.