On 21 August 1959, Hawaii officially became the 50th state of the United States of America, marking the completion of America’s modern map as we know it today.
Background
Hawaii, an archipelago of eight major islands and many smaller ones in the central Pacific, has a rich and unique cultural heritage deeply rooted in Polynesian traditions. The islands were unified under King Kamehameha I in the late 18th century. In 1893, the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in a coup largely supported by American settlers and businessmen. By 1898, Hawaii was annexed by the United States during the Spanish–American War, mainly for its strategic military location in the Pacific.
Path to Statehood
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In 1900, Hawaii was made a U.S. territory.
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Over the following decades, debates over its status continued, with residents divided between statehood, independence, and continuation as a territory.
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The turning point came after World War II, when Hawaii’s significance as a military outpost (especially after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941) made statehood more appealing.
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In 1959, a referendum was held in Hawaii where nearly 94% of voters supported statehood.
The Big Day – 21 August 1959
On this day, U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the official proclamation admitting Hawaii into the Union as the 50th state. The U.S. flag was updated to feature 50 stars, symbolizing Hawaii’s inclusion.
Legacy & Significance
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Hawaii remains the only U.S. state composed entirely of islands and the only one located outside North America.
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It brought cultural diversity, with its deep Polynesian roots, into the American identity.
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Its admission also cemented U.S. strategic power in the Pacific.
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Today, Hawaii is celebrated for its unique blend of cultures, natural beauty, and its pivotal role in U.S. history.
✨ Did You Know?
Hawaii is the only U.S. state that was once ruled by a monarch and the only one where coffee is grown commercially.
