As a historian and political analyst, I have a deep understanding of the political landscape and the historical evolution of regions. When it comes to the status of Hawaii within the United States, it's a topic that has a rich and complex history. Let's delve into the details.

Hawaii, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, was not always a state of the United States. It was annexed by the U.S. in 1898, following a period of political turmoil and annexationist movements. The annexation was controversial and not without its detractors, but it was ultimately successful, and Hawaii became a U.S. territory.

The journey towards statehood for Hawaii was a long and arduous one. There were numerous petitions for statehood from the Hawaiian people throughout the first half of the 20th century. These petitions were a testament to the desire of the Hawaiian population to be fully integrated into the United States and to have the same rights and representation as other citizens.

The pivotal moment came in 1959, when Hawaii held a referendum, a significant democratic process, in which an overwhelming majority of the voters, more than 93%, voted in favor of the proposition to admit Hawaii as a state. This was a clear and resounding mandate from the people of Hawaii, expressing their wish to become part of the union.

The process leading up to Hawaii's statehood involved several key steps. First, there was the need for a constitutional convention to draft a state constitution that would be submitted to the U.S. Congress for approval. This was followed by the referendum, which was a critical part of the process, as it demonstrated the will of the Hawaiian people.

After the successful referendum, the U.S. Congress had to pass an act admitting Hawaii into the Union. This was done through the Hawaii Admission Act, which was signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on March 18, 1959. Following this, Hawaii was officially admitted as the 50th state of the United States on August 21, 1959.

The admission of Hawaii as a state brought several benefits, including full representation in the U.S. Congress with two Senators and a number of Representatives based on population. It also allowed for the full application of federal laws and the ability to participate in presidential elections.

However, it's important to note that the path to statehood was not without its challenges and controversies. There were concerns about the sovereignty of the native Hawaiian population and the impact of statehood on their rights and culture. These issues continue to be discussed and debated today.

In conclusion, Hawaii is not a territory but a state of the United States. Its journey to statehood was marked by a strong desire for integration and representation, culminating in a successful referendum and admission to the Union in 1959. The story of Hawaii's statehood is one of democracy, determination, and the will of the people.

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Hawaii--a U.S. territory since 1898--became the 50th state in August, 1959, following a referendum in Hawaii in which more than 93% of the voters approved the proposition that the territory should be admitted as a state. There were many Hawaiian petitions for statehood during the first half of the 20th century.read more >>