In the late 19th century, a distant island kingdom became the center of one of America's most heated political debates. Was the annexation of Hawaii a bold step toward global power—or the unjust overthrow of a sovereign nation?

As American businessmen tightened their grip on the islands, Queen Liliʻuokalani fought to preserve Hawaiian independence. Meanwhile, in Washington, politicians, presidents, and the public were deeply divided: should the United States expand across the Pacific, or stay true to its anti-imperial roots?

SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/c/HistoryShortsPodcast

ADVERTISE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/advertise

LEARN MORE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/

SPONSORED BY: https://www.podcastrepublic.net/get-it-now