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1778
British navigator Captain James Cook arrives in Hawaii and establishes contact with the native Hawaiians. -
1789
The Kingdom of Hawaii is formally established under King Kamehameha I. -
1820
Western traders and whalers begin to arrive in Hawaii, bringing diseases and cultural changes. -
1842
The first American missionaries arrive in Hawaii, bringing Christianity and Western education to the islands. -
1849
Hawaii signs a treaty with the United States granting certain privileges to American citizens in Hawaii. -
1850
The sugar industry in Hawaii begins to grow, attracting more American investors and settlers. -
1875
King Kamehameha V dies, leaving the throne to his sister Queen Liliuokalani. -
1887
A rebellion against the Hawaiian monarchy led by American businessmen and sugar planters takes place. -
1893
A group of American businessmen and politicians, led by Sanford B. Dole, stage a coup against Queen Liliuokalani and establish a provisional government. -
1894
The United States Congress passes a joint resolution annexing Hawaii as a U.S. territory. -
1898
Hawaii is officially annexed as a U.S. territory following the Spanish-American War and the Treaty of Paris. -
1900
Hawaii becomes an organized territory of the United States with its own territorial legislature. -
1941
Hawaii is attacked by Japan during the Pacific War, leading to the U.S. entry into World War II. -
1959
Hawaii is granted statehood, becoming the 50th state of the United States of America.