The United States became a world power and acquired overseas holdings as a result of the Spanish-American War. Hawai'i's strategic location made it critical to the military interests of the United States.

On August 12, 1898, the United States ratified the treaty of annexation. Four days later, the 1st New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment arrived by ship in Honolulu and established Camp McKinley, the first U.S. Army camp in Hawai'i. Camp McKinley was set up in Kapi'olani Park, at the base of Diamond Head, next to Waikiki.

In 1900 the Organic Act proclaimed Hawai'i as a territory of the United States.

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