What did the Hawaiian citizens petition against in 1897?

In 1897, Hawaiian citizens organized a significant petition campaign against the annexation of the islands to the United States. This movement arose in response to the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy by a group of American and European businessmen, which led to a contentious relationship between the native Hawaiian population and the new provisional government.

The citizens feared that annexation would permanently diminish their sovereignty and cultural identity. The petition reflected a strong desire among the Hawaiian people to maintain control over their own government and resist outside influence and control from the United States, which they viewed as an imperialistic move. The citizens sought to assert their rights and express their opposition to a process that they believed undermined their autonomy.

Understanding the historical context of American expansionist policies during this era is crucial, as it sheds light on the broader implications of imperialism not only for Hawaii but also for other territories affected by U.S. annexation during the late 19th century.