USA / Hawaii: 'Shotgun Wedding', a satirical British view of America's annexation of Hawaii in 1897.

The preacher is President McKinley. The shotgun is toted by J.P. Morgan, financier. The bride is visibly displeased and would be happy to make a run for it.

In March 1897, William McKinley succeeded Grover Cleveland as president. He agreed to a treaty of annexation for Hawaii but it failed in the Senate because petitions from the islands indicated lack of popular support and would be in violation of international law. A joint resolution was written by Congressman Francis G. Newlands to annex Hawaii in violation of Hawaii's Sovereign Rights. McKinley signed the Newlands Resolution which illegally annexed Hawaii on July 7, 1898 to become the Territory of Hawaii.

On February 22, 1900 the Hawaiian Organic Act established a territorial government with Sanford Dole, the former President of the Republic of Hawaii, appointed governor by the US President. The territorial legislature convened for the first time on February 20, 1901. Some Hawaiian people formed the Hawaiian Independent Party, under the leadership of Robert Wilcox, the first congressional delegate from Hawaii.

The overthrow of the kingdom and the subsequent annexation has been called the first major instance of American imperialism.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Credit:

Pictures From History

Theme:

FATAL IMPACT