8.1 Foreign Interests and the Committee of Safety
2 min read•july 24, 2024
Foreign interests in Hawaii were driven by economic and political motives. Sugar industry dominance led to a desire for tariff-free exports to the US, while land acquisition displaced native Hawaiians. American expansionism fueled by ideology sought new markets and strategic military positions.
The , composed of American and European businessmen, aimed to overthrow the Hawaiian monarchy. Their actions, along with the , shifted power away from native Hawaiians and accelerated foreign control over Hawaiian affairs.
Foreign Interests in Hawaii
Foreign business interests in Hawaii
Top images from around the web for Foreign business interests in Hawaii
Hawaii Democratic Revolution of 1954 - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Sugar refinery - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Hawaii Democratic Revolution of 1954 - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Sugar refinery - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 2
Top images from around the web for Foreign business interests in Hawaii
Hawaii Democratic Revolution of 1954 - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Sugar refinery - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Hawaii Democratic Revolution of 1954 - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Sugar refinery - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 2
- Economic interests drove sugar industry dominance led to desire for tariff-free exports to US
- Political influence exerted through lobbying for pro-business policies pressured Hawaiian monarchs to cede power
- Land acquisition resulted in accumulation of large estates by foreign planters displaced native Hawaiians from ancestral lands
- Labor importation recruited workers from Asia and Europe created multicultural plantation workforce (Chinese, Japanese, Filipino)
American expansionism's influence
- Manifest Destiny ideology promoted belief in America's right to expand across Pacific (Alaska, Midway)
- Strategic military interests fueled desire for naval base at Pearl Harbor enhanced US naval presence
- Economic imperialism pursued new markets and resources expanded US commercial reach
- Cultural imperialism spread American values and institutions (English language, Christianity)
- Diplomatic pressure interfered in Hawaiian internal affairs supported pro-American factions
The Committee of Safety and Constitutional Changes
Committee of Safety's role
- Composition primarily American and European businessmen and plantation owners (, )
- Formation established in response to Queen Liliuokalani's attempt to promulgate new constitution restored monarchical power
- Objectives aimed to overthrow Hawaiian monarchy and annex Hawaii by United States
- Actions included:
- Coordinating with U.S. Minister John L. Stevens
- Mobilizing Honolulu Rifles militia
- Proclaiming provisional government
Significance of Bayonet Constitution
- Circumstances of creation forced upon King Kalakaua in 1887 backed by threat of violence from Honolulu Rifles
- Key provisions reduced monarch's power introduced property qualifications for voting disenfranchised many native Hawaiians and Asian immigrants
- Impact on governance shifted power to legislature dominated by foreign interests made cabinet answerable to legislature rather than monarch
- Long-term consequences weakened native Hawaiian political influence accelerated foreign control over Hawaiian affairs
Key Terms to Review (18)
American Imperialism: American imperialism refers to the policy and practice of the United States extending its influence and control over other nations, territories, and regions, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This expansion often involved military intervention, economic dominance, and cultural assimilation, resulting in significant impacts on the countries affected and shaping international relations.
Annexation treaty: An annexation treaty is a formal agreement that transfers sovereignty over a territory from one nation to another. In the context of Hawaii, the annexation treaty was pivotal as it involved the U.S. taking control of the Hawaiian Islands, largely influenced by foreign interests and local political dynamics.
Bayonet Constitution: The Bayonet Constitution was a document imposed on King Kalākaua of Hawaii in 1887 that significantly reduced the power of the monarchy and expanded the voting rights of wealthy landowners, particularly those of foreign descent. This constitution was created under pressure from the Committee of Safety, a group of primarily American and European businessmen and sugar planters, who sought to gain control over Hawaiian politics and economy. The name reflects the coercive methods used, as it was presented to the king at gunpoint.
Colonialism: Colonialism is the practice of acquiring control over another country or territory, often by establishing settlements and exploiting resources for economic gain. It typically involves the domination of one nation over another, leading to cultural, political, and social changes that can have long-lasting effects on the colonized regions. This dynamic played a significant role in shaping the relationships between foreign powers and indigenous populations, especially during periods of territorial expansion and annexation.
Committee of Safety: The Committee of Safety was a group formed in Hawaii in 1893, primarily made up of American and European businessmen and sugar planters, with the aim of facilitating the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani's monarchy. This committee played a critical role in the political machinations leading to the eventual annexation of Hawaii by the United States, reflecting the influence of foreign interests in local governance and the strategic economic desires of its members.
Cultural preservation: Cultural preservation refers to the efforts made to protect, maintain, and promote the cultural heritage and practices of a community or society. This includes safeguarding traditional knowledge, languages, arts, and customs that may be at risk of being lost due to external influences or modernization. The importance of cultural preservation becomes evident when examining historical shifts, economic changes, and social dynamics that can threaten the integrity of cultural identities.
Foreign investment: Foreign investment refers to the capital that individuals, companies, or governments from one country invest in businesses, assets, or projects located in another country. This investment can take various forms, such as direct investment in physical assets or purchasing financial instruments. It plays a significant role in shaping economies and can influence political relationships, particularly when foreign interests seek to establish control or influence over local resources.
Hawaiian League: The Hawaiian League was a political organization formed in the 1880s, primarily composed of American and European businessmen, who aimed to promote their interests and influence over Hawaiian politics. This group sought to establish a constitutional government that favored foreign interests and ultimately led to the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893. The league played a pivotal role in reshaping Hawaii's political landscape and its relationship with the United States.
Hawaiian Renaissance: The Hawaiian Renaissance refers to a cultural revival that began in the late 20th century, focused on the resurgence of Hawaiian language, arts, and traditions as a response to the effects of colonization and cultural assimilation. This movement has led to a renewed pride in Hawaiian identity, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural practices, language, and historical awareness.
Kanaka maoli movement: The kanaka maoli movement is a cultural and political initiative led by Native Hawaiians aiming to reclaim their rights, identity, and sovereignty. This movement seeks to address historical injustices resulting from colonization and foreign influence while promoting the preservation and revitalization of Hawaiian culture, language, and traditions.
Lorrin Thurston: Lorrin Thurston was a prominent American businessman and politician in Hawaii during the late 19th century, known for his strong advocacy for annexation and influence in the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. As a member of the Committee of Safety, he played a crucial role in the political maneuvering that led to the establishment of a provisional government in 1893. His actions and beliefs were pivotal in aligning Hawaiian interests with those of the United States amidst growing foreign interests.
Manifest destiny: Manifest destiny is a 19th-century belief that it was the divine right and duty of the United States to expand its territory across North America. This ideology fueled the country's westward expansion and justified actions taken against Native American populations, as well as conflicts with foreign nations. The concept was closely tied to American nationalism and the notion of progress.
Overthrow of 1893: The overthrow of 1893 refers to the illegal coup that resulted in the removal of Queen Liliʻuokalani from power in the Kingdom of Hawaii. This event was driven by a group of American and European businessmen who formed the Committee of Safety, influenced by their economic interests and supported by the U.S. government, leading to the establishment of a provisional government and eventually Hawaii's annexation by the United States.
Resistance Movements: Resistance movements are organized efforts by groups or individuals to oppose and challenge oppressive systems, governments, or foreign interventions. These movements often seek to reclaim autonomy, assert rights, and preserve cultural identities that are threatened by outside influences or domination. They can manifest through various forms such as protests, uprisings, or cultural revitalization, aiming to empower communities and foster social change.
Sanford Dole: Sanford Dole was a prominent American politician and lawyer in Hawaii, best known for his role as the first President of the Republic of Hawaii after the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893. His leadership came during a time when foreign interests were heavily influencing Hawaiian politics, particularly through the Committee of Safety, which he was a member of. Dole’s administration marked a significant shift in Hawaiian governance and paved the way for eventual annexation by the United States.
Sovereignty movement: The sovereignty movement refers to the efforts and activism of Native Hawaiians aimed at reclaiming political and cultural self-determination, seeking recognition of their inherent rights and sovereignty as a people. This movement has its roots in historical injustices, including the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and ongoing struggles for land rights, self-governance, and reparations for past wrongs.
Sugar plantation economy: The sugar plantation economy refers to a system of agricultural production centered around the cultivation of sugarcane, which was historically labor-intensive and relied heavily on enslaved workers. This economy significantly influenced the social, political, and economic landscape of places like Hawaii, where foreign interests sought to capitalize on its profitability, leading to the establishment of large plantations and complex relationships with local governance.
Treaty of reciprocity: The treaty of reciprocity was an agreement established in 1875 between the Kingdom of Hawaii and the United States, allowing for duty-free importation of Hawaiian sugar into the U.S. and giving Hawaii a favored trading status. This treaty played a significant role in shaping foreign relations and trade policies, influencing the power dynamics between local interests and external forces, particularly during the lead-up to the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy.