Why did Hawaiians and Asians living on the Hawaiian islands oppose annexation to the United States?
The Hawaiian queen was tossed in jail at the time by the self proclaimed governor.
Check this article.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Hawaii#Overthrow_and_annexation
Hawaiians and Asians living on the Hawaiian islands opposed annexation to the United States for various reasons, including concerns about their sovereignty, cultural preservation, and political rights. To understand why they held these oppositions, we can explore the historical background:
1. Sovereignty concerns: Hawaiians saw the annexation as an infringement on their independence and sovereignty as a nation. The Hawaiian Kingdom was a sovereign state recognized by many countries before the annexation. They believed that becoming part of the United States would lead to loss of self-governance.
2. Cultural preservation: Many Hawaiians valued their unique Hawaiian culture and traditions. They were concerned that annexation would lead to the suppression of their language, customs, and traditional practices. They feared that American influence might erode Hawaiian cultural identity.
3. Political rights: Some residents, including Asians, saw annexation as a threat to their political rights. Before the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893, Asian immigrants had significant influence and were able to vote in the Kingdom of Hawaii. However, annexation to the United States would have likely marginalized their political influence compared to the dominant white settlers.
Understanding the reasons behind the opposition is vital, but it's also essential to consult historical sources, academic research, and primary documents to get a comprehensive understanding of the specific concerns and arguments put forth by these communities during that time.