XI
THE ANNEXATION OF HAWAII
The decade following 1850 was significant in events which unmistakably indicated the ultimate annexation of Hawaii to the United States. The sudden development of California and the growth of American influence on the Pacific coast greatly revived the drooping commerce of the islands occasioned by the decline in whaling. The demand from that coast created new industries, especially in agriculture. The cultivation of sugar was begun, and was found to be well adapted to the climate and soil. Potatoes and other vegetables were largely exported, and the high price of flour at San Francisco gave a temporary impetus to the growing of wheat. The traffic in these commodities added materially to the wealth of the islanders.
Another event tended to direct attention to the political future of Hawaii. It was the epoch when filibustering was rampant in the United States, and demanded an aggressive policy on the part of the administration then in power. While Cuba was the objective point of the movement on the Atlantic coast, the notorious Walker was active in organizing in San Francisco lawless movements against Lower California and Nicaragua. His acts gave currency to reports that an expedition was being formed to occupy forcibly Hawaii and bring
