Summary of "Everything Everywhere Daily" Episode: How Hawaii Became a State (Encore)

Everything Everywhere Daily, hosted by Gary Arndt of Glassbox Media, delves into the fascinating journey of Hawaii's path to statehood in this encore presentation. This detailed summary captures the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn throughout the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners who haven't tuned in.

Introduction

Gary Arndt opens the episode by highlighting the uniqueness of Hawaii among the 50 U.S. states. Unlike its counterparts primarily located within North America, Hawaii is an isolated archipelago with no land borders, setting the stage for a compelling narrative about its unconventional route to becoming the 50th state of the United States.

"But there's one state that is not like the others. It isn't located in North America, it doesn't have a land border with anything, and its route to statehood was unlike that of any other state in the Union." ([00:00])

Geographical Isolation and Early Settlement

Hawaii's geographical isolation is emphasized as a defining characteristic. Gary details that Hawaii is the most remote archipelago in the world, with Honolulu being nearly 4,837 miles from Washington, D.C.—closer to the capitals of 24 other countries than to the U.S. capital itself.

The episode traces the initial settlement of Hawaii, likely from Tahiti, with estimates of first arrivals ranging from the year 300 to between 900 and 1100 AD based on carbon-14 dating. This section underscores the long-standing human presence on the islands prior to significant European contact.

16th to 18th Century: European Contact and Unification

Gary introduces two pivotal figures in Hawaii's history:

1. Captain James Cook (1778): Recognized as the first European to arrive in Hawaii, Cook's arrival marked the beginning of increased foreign influence.

2. King Kamehameha I: A strategic and formidable leader who unified the Hawaiian Islands by 1810. His adept use of Western military technology, such as cannons and guns, facilitated the consolidation of his kingdom. However, this alliance with Europeans had dire consequences, including the introduction of devastating diseases like smallpox and measles, which drastically reduced the native Hawaiian population from an estimated 120,000–300,000 to around 40,000 by the late 19th century.

"Kamehameha's deal with Europeans was a double edged sword. They helped him gain power, but it ended up coming at an enormous cost." ([02:29])

19th Century: Western Influence and Political Turmoil

The episode delves into the increasing Western influence in Hawaii during the 19th century. Missionaries introduced Christianity, and American businessmen established sugarcane plantations, leading to significant land acquisitions by foreigners. The native population faced both a demographic decline and cultural erosion.

Key events include:

• Death of King Lunalilo (1874): Without an heir, a referendum to select a new monarch led to political unrest. American military intervention restored order, highlighting the growing American presence.

• King David Kalakaua’s Treaty of Reciprocity (1875): Negotiated with President Ulysses S. Grant, this treaty allowed Hawaiian sugar imports to the U.S. without tariffs in exchange for access to Pearl Harbor for the U.S. Navy. This not only boosted Hawaii’s sugar industry but also cemented American strategic interests in the Pacific.

"The treaty not only gave the United States government a toehold in Hawaii, but it caused the acreage of sugarcane in Hawaii to grow over tenfold in a period of just 15 years." ([02:29])

Overthrow of the Monarchy and Annexation

Gary outlines the series of events leading to the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy:

• Bayonet Constitution (1887): Imposed on King Kalakaua by American business interests, this constitution reduced the monarchy's power and increased the influence of American settlers.

• Queen Liliʻuokalani’s Coup (1893): In an attempt to implement a new constitution that would restore voting rights to native Hawaiians, Queen Liliʻuokalani was overthrown by American and European businessmen forming the Committee for Safety. This led to the establishment of a provisional government intent on annexation by the United States.

• Annexation Efforts and Resistance: Initially resisted by President Grover Cleveland, who opposed overseas colonies, Hawaii’s annexation momentum surged during President William McKinley’s administration amidst the Spanish-American War. The strategic importance of Pearl Harbor and Hawaii’s role in the war precipitated its formal annexation on July 7, 1898.

"Hawaii's route to becoming a US state was unlike that of any other. All it required was a monarchy, a pandemic, a coup d'etat and a world war." ([02:29])

Territorial Status and World War II

Following annexation:

• Governorship of Sanford Dole (1900): Appointed as the territorial governor, Dole's administration oversaw Hawaii's integration into the United States framework.

• Pearl Harbor Attack (1941): The surprise attack by Japan thrust Hawaii into the national spotlight, emphasizing its strategic military importance. This event galvanized support for Hawaii's statehood, showcasing the islands as a crucial American stronghold in the Pacific.

• Contribution to the War Effort: Hawaiians, including notable figures like Daniel Inouye, played significant roles in World War II, further solidifying the islands’ importance to the U.S.

Movement Towards Statehood

Post-World War II, the push for Hawaii’s statehood gained significant momentum. However, political obstacles persisted:

• Southern Dixiecrats’ Opposition: Conservative Southern Democrats opposed statehood due to Hawaii’s ethnically diverse population, fearing increased support for civil rights legislation and challenges to existing Jim Crow laws.

• Population and Economic Considerations: Unlike earlier states admitted with small populations, Hawaii had nearly half a million residents and a robust economy, making its statehood more complex.

"Hawaii had become a very diverse place, with Europeans, native Hawaiians and Asians all living together. It would far and away be the most ethnically diverse state were it admitted to the Union." ([02:29])

Path to Statehood Achieved

The breakthrough came in the late 1950s:

• Alaska’s Admission (1959): As part of a compromise initially proposed alongside Hawaii, Alaska's swift population growth and changing political dynamics made its statehood feasible, paving the way for Hawaii’s turn.

• Referendum and Official Statehood (June 27 & August 21, 1959): A referendum saw 93% of Hawaiian voters in favor of statehood. Subsequently, Hawaii was officially admitted to the Union on August 21, 1959, as the 50th state.

"Hawaii officially became a state on August 21, 1959." ([02:29])

Conclusion

Gary Arndt wraps up the episode by reflecting on Hawaii's extraordinary journey to statehood, marked by geopolitical maneuvers, cultural transformations, and significant historical events. Hawaii's accession to the United States was not just a simple legislative process but a culmination of diverse and tumultuous factors that set it apart from other states.

Production Notes

• Executive Producer: Charles Daniel
• Associate Producers: Benji Long and Cameron Keever

Gary extends gratitude to Patreon supporters and encourages listeners to join the community through Facebook and Discord for further engagement.

This episode of Everything Everywhere Daily provides an in-depth exploration of Hawaii's unique path to becoming a U.S. state, blending historical facts with engaging storytelling to illuminate the complex interplay of culture, politics, and international relations that defined this pivotal moment in American history.