British Hawaii

All Rounder

All Rounder

Gone Fishin'
Hawaii was once owned by the British but was quietly annexed following a planned coup by Sanford Dole, after this a "republic" was set up, which lasted until August 12, 1898, when it was officially incorporated as a territory by the U.S that day, and then sixty one years later it was admitted as a state.

But what if this didn't happen? What if the Sandwich Islands, as they were originally dubbed, still flew the Union Jack?
 

RogueTraderEnthusiast

The last thread about this mainly focused on using it a coal station - to enable British control over the Pacific. This could still hold true (and set up for a greater conflict with the Japanese).

I personally think it would be quite important as it gives the British a system of logistics that literally covers the globe. The Hawaiian islands would certainly enable the British to apply force on N.Pacific. Assuming that this doesn't change a lot immediately, the Sandwich Islands may lead to a genuine attempt to bid for Alaska, as a source of coal, and peaceful expansion of British America. Then we have the unknown economic potential of the Pacific Islands. The biggest advantages are more about controlling the trade in the Pacific.

The complications come in with Britain and Russia in the Great Game - Britain has to choose the great rivalry in Asia, or try and ally with Russia to compete with Japan in the Pacific. Allying with Japan may well be a practical option, which could encourage a more liberal Japan that joins the Allies, and cut off WWII in the Pacific, instead freeing the British Pacific forces to help in Europe. Alternatively, neither happens, leaving Britain with an important, but vulnerable Pacific Theater to defend.

The most militant option is that it would make an invasion of Japan from the South and the East more practical. If barely. A British Shogunate or British Japan would be a significant change for the Empire, assuming victory, AND would leave Russia surrounded by Britain and her allies on Every. Single. Front. - Plus, Nanking will be in better straits.
 
All Rounder

All Rounder

Gone Fishin'
RogueTraderEnthusiast said:
The last thread about this mainly focused on using it a coal station - to enable British control over the Pacific. This could still hold true (and set up for a greater conflict with the Japanese).

I personally think it would be quite important as it gives the British a system of logistics that literally covers the globe. The Hawaiian islands would certainly enable the British to apply force on N.Pacific. Assuming that this doesn't change a lot immediately, the Sandwich Islands may lead to a genuine attempt to bid for Alaska, as a source of coal, and peaceful expansion of British America. Then we have the unknown economic potential of the Pacific Islands. The biggest advantages are more about controlling the trade in the Pacific.

The complications come in with Britain and Russia in the Great Game - Britain has to choose the great rivalry in Asia, or try and ally with Russia to compete with Japan in the Pacific. Allying with Japan may well be a practical option, which could encourage a more liberal Japan that joins the Allies, and cut off WWII in the Pacific, instead freeing the British Pacific forces to help in Europe. Alternatively, neither happens, leaving Britain with an important, but vulnerable Pacific Theater to defend.

The most militant option is that it would make an invasion of Japan from the South and the East more practical. If barely. A British Shogunate or British Japan would be a significant change for the Empire, assuming victory, AND would leave Russia surrounded by Britain and her allies on Every. Single. Front. - Plus, Nanking will be in better straits.
Click to expand...

I like it.
 

Saphroneth

Banned
I might actually have something like that take place in Open Sea - it does make sense as the British are now getting involved in California in 1862. Actually, that could make a good next update portion.
 

Hrvatskiwi

First of all, I'm pretty sure this has been discussed quite a few times, so I'd suggest using the "search forum" function.

Secondly, Hawai'i does technically still fly the Union Jack, as it appears in the canton of the Hawai'ian state flag.

Thirdly, Hawai'i was never "owned" by the British.
 

diestormlie

Saphroneth said:
I might actually have something like that take place in Open Sea - it does make sense as the British are now getting involved in California in 1862. Actually, that could make a good next update portion.
Click to expand...

Yes, my favourite realistic (possibly sans opening premise) Britwank author/TL! More Britwanking! More!
 
EnglishCanuck

EnglishCanuck

Well in 1843 the British almost annexed Hawaii, but Paulet's superior overulled him and the government apparently didn't feel it worthwhile to follow up on.

Now had there been a pressing strategic reason to continue a large presence in Hawaii (like worse relations with the US) the British could annex or declare it a protectorate at any time they wished. They had the most powerful fleet and the resources to do so. The best time perhaps for Hawaii to become a protectorate is under the reign of Kamehameha IV, who was anti-American and pro-British. If say the US makes threatening overtures to Hawaii if he lives longer he may ask the Royal Navy to intercede on his behalf.
 
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