Which state had the worst reason for statehood?

[Oswald Acted Alone, You Kook]

I was on a trip to Nevada, and I learned that Nevada became a state so the government could tax them and use the taxes to pay for the Civil War. That's pretty bad but I think Maine has it beat (balance between slave and free) or the Dakotas being split for more Republican votes.

But what do you guys think?

[Blue3]

I don't know about worst... but for Best I'd say Rhode Island, since we seceded from puritan Massachusetts to form the first colony that believed in religious freedom and separation of church and state.

Perhaps Massachusetts wanting its own colony to have the "freedom" to oppress others and make them conform to their religious doctrines?

[TDAS04]

Had the worst reason...

I don’t know, but Arizona rejected joint statehood with New Mexico because New Mexico had too many Hispanics.

[America Needs a 13-6 Progressive SCOTUS]

Not exactly the reason, but the timing of Colorado being added to the Union was extremely convenient for Ruthorford Hayes.

[Amenhotep Bakari-Sellers]

Puerto Rico, probably will remain a commonwealth now, since the GOP will have control over SCOTUS. But, its EC value is 5 electors; except for the 2 new Senators, its value is low.

It will remain a commonwealth, GOP believe it will foster dependence on the Social Security Administration anyways.

[Karpatsky]

North Dakota, I guess - splitting the Dakotas was a fairly transparent partisan move when it happened.

[dead0man]

North Dakota, I guess - splitting the Dakotas was a fairly transparent partisan move when it happened.

that's what I came in to say

[American_Aristocracy]

North Dakota, I guess - splitting the Dakotas was a fairly transparent partisan move when it happened.

that's what I came in to say

Massachusetts and Maine come to mind.

[Karpatsky]

North Dakota, I guess - splitting the Dakotas was a fairly transparent partisan move when it happened.

that's what I came in to say

Massachusetts and Maine come to mind.

Splitting off Maine makes a lot more sense, given its non-contiguity.

[Kingpoleon]

Hawaii.

“Now, to avoid any collision of armed forces and perhaps loss of life, I do, under this protest, and impelled by said forces, yield my authority until such time as the Government of the United States shall, upon the facts being presented to it, undo the action of its representative and reinstate me in the authority which I claim as the constitutional sovereign of the Hawaiian Islands.”
- Queen Lili'uokalani of Hawaii

[Galaxie]

Hawaii.

“Now, to avoid any collision of armed forces and perhaps loss of life, I do, under this protest, and impelled by said forces, yield my authority until such time as the Government of the United States shall, upon the facts being presented to it, undo the action of its representative and reinstate me in the authority which I claim as the constitutional sovereign of the Hawaiian Islands.”
- Queen Lili'uokalani of Hawaii

[Free Bird]

North Dakota, I guess - splitting the Dakotas was a fairly transparent partisan move when it happened.

Pretty ironic nowadays

[Since I'm the mad scientist proclaimed by myself]

Hawaii.

“Now, to avoid any collision of armed forces and perhaps loss of life, I do, under this protest, and impelled by said forces, yield my authority until such time as the Government of the United States shall, upon the facts being presented to it, undo the action of its representative and reinstate me in the authority which I claim as the constitutional sovereign of the Hawaiian Islands.”
- Queen Lili'uokalani of Hawaii

[KaiserDave]

I would have to agree that splitting the Dakotas seems pointless........

[Orser67]

The Dakotas are a good answer, but I just wanted to add that four other states were also added between November 1889 and July 1890. At the start of the 51st Congress, the partisan divide in the Senate was 39-37 in favor of Republicans. At the end, it was 51-35 in their favor.

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

The Dakotas are a good answer, but I just wanted to add that four other states were also added between November 1889 and July 1890. At the start of the 51st Congress, the partisan divide in the Senate was 39-37 in favor of Republicans. At the end, it was 51-35 in their favor.

Utah is actually the only state admitted under a Democratic President since before the civil war.