Primary Source #1
A Plea for Annexation by John Stevens 1893
In this document, John Stevens (future U.S. Minister of Hawaii) discusses the choice that America has: to continue the American policy and ideals laid out by Marcy, Seward, Grant, and Blame, or to sacrifice these virtues and disgrace future interests. Cook arrived on the shores of Hawaii, estimating the population to be four hundred thousand, but in reality the population was more like two hundred thousand, and when American Missionaries entered the scene in 1820, a hundred thousand less islanders were present. Stevens encourages the government control of the islands, saying "nothing more conclusively than these figures proves that the future of the Islands must be controlled by other than the native race (Stevens)". The decrease of the population was speculated to already have been decreasing before Cook's arrival. Stevens also emphasizes the richness and fertility of the land and the possibilities and advantages the Hawaiian islands would pose if they were under U.S. control. American missionaries greatly influenced the islands by becoming close with the chiefs and kings and rulers, developing school systems and Christian churches. A revolution took place among the islanders to overcome the monarchy and the king's unfair rule. The opium market was a huge influence and factor in this sense. When the monarchy was overthrown, and the islands not sufficiently wealthy or structured enough to become its own independent nation, Hawaii applied to become an American territory. With all of the American establishments already in Hawaii (churches, schools, etc.), Stevens, again, emphasizes the importance of Hawaii, including its location and material resources. He says towards the end of the document, "I cherish the faith that the American people, the American statesmen, and the American government, thoughtful of Americas great future, will settle the Hawaiian question wisely and well will see to it that the flag of the United States floats unmolested over the Hawaiian Islands (Stevens)."
In this document, John Stevens (future U.S. Minister of Hawaii) discusses the choice that America has: to continue the American policy and ideals laid out by Marcy, Seward, Grant, and Blame, or to sacrifice these virtues and disgrace future interests. Cook arrived on the shores of Hawaii, estimating the population to be four hundred thousand, but in reality the population was more like two hundred thousand, and when American Missionaries entered the scene in 1820, a hundred thousand less islanders were present. Stevens encourages the government control of the islands, saying "nothing more conclusively than these figures proves that the future of the Islands must be controlled by other than the native race (Stevens)". The decrease of the population was speculated to already have been decreasing before Cook's arrival. Stevens also emphasizes the richness and fertility of the land and the possibilities and advantages the Hawaiian islands would pose if they were under U.S. control. American missionaries greatly influenced the islands by becoming close with the chiefs and kings and rulers, developing school systems and Christian churches. A revolution took place among the islanders to overcome the monarchy and the king's unfair rule. The opium market was a huge influence and factor in this sense. When the monarchy was overthrown, and the islands not sufficiently wealthy or structured enough to become its own independent nation, Hawaii applied to become an American territory. With all of the American establishments already in Hawaii (churches, schools, etc.), Stevens, again, emphasizes the importance of Hawaii, including its location and material resources. He says towards the end of the document, "I cherish the faith that the American people, the American statesmen, and the American government, thoughtful of Americas great future, will settle the Hawaiian question wisely and well will see to it that the flag of the United States floats unmolested over the Hawaiian Islands (Stevens)."
Primary Source #2
First Open Door Note by John Hay 1899
Secretary of State, John Hays, sent the first note in 1899 that addressed American policy towards China. These notes, explaining the Open Door Policy, was sent to Britain, France, Germany, Japan, Italy and Russia. The Open Door Policy was to promote and support the idea that all foreign countries should have equal access to both industrial and commercial trade rights. The policy also asked that they "...Will in no way interfere with any treaty port or any vested interest within any so-called "sphere of interest" or leased territory it may have in China (Hay)". The countries, as it seemed in their responses, wanted to wait for other replies: each country did not want to act unless they knew what the others were thinking, and if they all could come to an agreement. Hay interpreted the ambiguous replies as a sign that they would all comply, but each country continued the competition for trade and mining rights. The Open Door Policy later proved to be a failure because of future events.
Secretary of State, John Hays, sent the first note in 1899 that addressed American policy towards China. These notes, explaining the Open Door Policy, was sent to Britain, France, Germany, Japan, Italy and Russia. The Open Door Policy was to promote and support the idea that all foreign countries should have equal access to both industrial and commercial trade rights. The policy also asked that they "...Will in no way interfere with any treaty port or any vested interest within any so-called "sphere of interest" or leased territory it may have in China (Hay)". The countries, as it seemed in their responses, wanted to wait for other replies: each country did not want to act unless they knew what the others were thinking, and if they all could come to an agreement. Hay interpreted the ambiguous replies as a sign that they would all comply, but each country continued the competition for trade and mining rights. The Open Door Policy later proved to be a failure because of future events.
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