July 7 in American History

July 7, 1898 — the United States annexes Hawaii

Congress voted to annex the Hawaiian Islands, five years after American business interests had helped overthrow the Hawaiian kingdom and its queen. It was a controversial act of expansion — one many Native Hawaiians never accepted — that gave the U.S. a vital Pacific foothold and, decades later, its 50th state.

Common Questions

What happened on July 7 in American history?

In 1898: the United States annexes Hawaii. Congress voted to annex the Hawaiian Islands, five years after American business interests had helped overthrow the Hawaiian kingdom and its queen.

Why is July 7 significant?

Congress voted to annex the Hawaiian Islands, five years after American business interests had helped overthrow the Hawaiian kingdom and its queen. It was a controversial act of expansion — one many Native Hawaiians never accepted — that gave the U.S. a vital Pacific foothold and, decades later, its 50th state.

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