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The 'Newlands Resolution', named after Congressman Francis G. Newlands was an act of the United States Congress to annex the Republic of Hawai'i and create the Territory of Hawai'i. It was approved on July 4, 1898 and signed on July 7 by President of the United States William McKinley. In August of the same year, a ceremony was held on the steps of 'Iolani Palace to signify the official transfer of Hawaiian sovereignty to the United States. The Hawaiian Organic Act was approved in 1900 by Congress to adopt a form of government for the new territory, in supplement of the Newlands Resolution.

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On August 12, 1898, the flag of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i over ‘Iolani Palace was lowered to raise the United States flag to signify annexation. Native Hawaiians began a period of mourning.