Statehood for Hawaii

Hawaii became a U.S. state on August 21, 1959, after decades of political and territorial evolution. Originally an independent kingdom, it was overthrown in 1893 and became a U.S. territory in 1898. As a strategic and economic hub, especially for sugar plantations, Hawaii developed a strong local movement advocating for statehood. Congress approved Hawaii’s admission, recognizing its population’s desire for full representation and rights as part of the United States. Statehood provided Hawaii with its own representatives in Congress and better access to federal programs, integrating it into the political and economic fabric of the nation.