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Hawaiian Studies
Table of Contents
Unit 8 Overview: Hawaiian Kingdom: Colonization & Overthrow
8.1 Foreign Interests and the Committee of Safety
8.2 Overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani
8.3 Annexation by the United States

The overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani in 1893 marked a pivotal moment in Hawaiian history. It was sparked by the Bayonet Constitution of 1887, which stripped the monarchy of power, and the queen's attempts to restore monarchical authority through a new constitution.

The U.S. played a key role in the overthrow, with Minister John L. Stevens conspiring with anti-royalist factions. U.S. troops landed in Honolulu, creating an intimidating presence that supported the Committee of Safety's actions against the queen.

Events and Key Players in the Overthrow

Events of Queen Liliuokalani's overthrow

  • Bayonet Constitution of 1887 forced upon King Kalākaua by Hawaiian League stripped monarchy of power and disenfranchised Native Hawaiians and Asian immigrants
  • Queen Liliuokalani's 1891 ascension to throne attempted to restore monarchical power by drafting new constitution
  • Committee of Safety formed 1892 by pro-American businessmen and politicians (Lorrin A. Thurston) plotted to overthrow Hawaiian monarchy
  • Queen's attempt to promulgate new constitution January 14, 1893 sparked opposition from anti-royalist factions
  • John L. Stevens, U.S. Minister to Hawaii, conspired with Committee of Safety and ordered U.S. troops to Honolulu January 16, 1893

U.S. military in Hawaiian overthrow

  • USS Boston anchored in Honolulu Harbor under Captain Gilbert C. Wiltse
  • 162 U.S. Marines and sailors landed January 16, 1893 to "protect American lives and property"
  • U.S. troops positioned near government buildings created intimidating presence and implicitly supported Committee of Safety
  • Non-intervention policy meant U.S. troops didn't engage in combat but deterred royalist resistance
  • Minister Stevens recognized Provisional Government before Queen's formal abdication, granting legitimacy

Native Hawaiian resistance efforts

  • Queen Liliuokalani temporarily yielded power to avoid bloodshed and appealed to U.S. government for throne restoration
  • Hui Aloha ʻĀina (Hawaiian Patriotic League) formed to oppose annexation and gathered Kūʻē Petitions signatures
  • 1895 royalist counter-revolution attempt led by Robert Wilcox resulted in Queen Liliuokalani's arrest
  • Cultural resistance preserved Hawaiian language and traditions (hula, mele)
  • Legal challenges contested overthrow legitimacy in U.S. courts and appealed to international law

Aftermath of Hawaiian monarchy's fall

  • Provisional Government proclaimed January 17, 1893 with Sanford B. Dole as president
  • U.S. immediately recognized new government and Minister Stevens raised U.S. flag over buildings
  • Protectorate status established with U.S. assuming responsibility for Hawaii's foreign relations
  • Republic of Hawaii formed 1894 replacing Provisional Government, still led by Sanford B. Dole
  • Blount Report July 1893 commissioned by President Cleveland concluded U.S. complicity in overthrow
  • Cleveland's attempt to restore monarchy met Provisional Government resistance and lacked Congressional support
  • Ongoing annexation debate delayed due to U.S. administration changes and policy shifts

Key Terms to Review (23)

Treaty of Annexation: The Treaty of Annexation refers to the agreement signed in 1898 that formalized the annexation of Hawaii by the United States, marking a significant shift in Hawaiian sovereignty. This treaty followed the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani and was a pivotal moment in Hawaiian history, as it represented the culmination of efforts by American interests to gain control over the islands.
American Exceptionalism: American exceptionalism is the belief that the United States is inherently different from other nations, often characterized by a unique set of ideals, political systems, and historical experiences that shape its identity. This concept is closely tied to notions of democracy, liberty, and the idea that America has a special role in promoting these values globally. The belief in American exceptionalism can influence foreign policy decisions and domestic attitudes toward national identity and purpose.
Imperialism: Imperialism is the policy or ideology where a nation extends its power and influence over other countries or territories, often through military force, colonization, or economic domination. This practice has significant historical implications, shaping international relations and often leading to resistance and conflict. The concept of imperialism is crucial for understanding how powerful nations sought to expand their territories and control resources, especially in the context of Hawaiian history.
January 16, 1893: January 16, 1893, marks the date of the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani, the last reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii. This event was a significant turning point in Hawaiian history as it led to the end of the Hawaiian monarchy and the eventual annexation of Hawaii by the United States. The overthrow was orchestrated by a group of American and European businessmen and politicians who sought greater control over Hawaiian resources and governance.
Hawaiian Nationalism: Hawaiian nationalism is a political and cultural movement that emphasizes the importance of Hawaiian identity, sovereignty, and the rights of Native Hawaiians. This movement emerged as a response to the loss of the Hawaiian monarchy and the subsequent annexation of Hawaii by the United States, reflecting a deep-seated desire to reclaim and protect Hawaiian culture, land, and political autonomy.
Cleveland's Attempt to Restore Monarchy: Cleveland's attempt to restore monarchy refers to the efforts made by U.S. President Grover Cleveland in 1893 to reinstate Queen Liliuokalani as the ruler of Hawaii after her overthrow by American interests. This intervention was driven by Cleveland's belief in the legitimacy of the Hawaiian monarchy and opposition to the illegal overthrow that had occurred with support from American businessmen and military forces. Cleveland's actions highlight the complex interplay of U.S. foreign policy, imperialism, and the sovereignty of nations during this period.
January 17, 1893: January 17, 1893, marks the date of the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani, the last reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii. This pivotal event was driven by a group of American businessmen and sugar planters who sought to gain control over Hawaiian politics and economy, leading to the eventual annexation of Hawaii by the United States. The overthrow set in motion a series of events that would fundamentally alter the trajectory of Hawaiian sovereignty and identity.
July 1893: July 1893 marks the date when Queen Liliuokalani of Hawaii was overthrown in a coup led by American businessmen and supported by the U.S. government. This event was a pivotal moment in Hawaiian history, as it set the stage for the eventual annexation of Hawaii by the United States and the end of the Hawaiian monarchy. The overthrow was fueled by growing tensions between native Hawaiians and foreign interests, particularly in the sugar industry, which played a significant role in Hawaii's economy and political landscape.
Robert Wilcox: Robert Wilcox was a prominent Hawaiian political figure and leader of the anti-monarchy movement during the late 19th century, particularly known for his involvement in the efforts to overthrow Queen Liliuokalani in 1893. His actions reflected a growing discontent among certain groups in Hawaii against the ruling monarchy, fueled by issues of economic control, land ownership, and the influence of foreign interests.
Eurocentrism: Eurocentrism is a worldview that centers European culture and history as the primary reference point for interpreting global events and phenomena. This perspective often marginalizes or overlooks the significance of non-European cultures and histories, reinforcing notions of European superiority. In the context of the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani, eurocentrism played a crucial role in how Hawaiian history was interpreted and recorded, highlighting the dominance of Western narratives over indigenous perspectives.
Sanford B. Dole: Sanford B. Dole was a prominent figure in Hawaiian history, serving as the president of the Republic of Hawaii after the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani. He played a crucial role in the annexation of Hawaii by the United States and was a key advocate for the interests of American settlers in Hawaii during a time of significant political change. His leadership and actions significantly influenced the trajectory of Hawaii's relationship with the United States.
Hui aloha ʻāina: Hui aloha ʻāina refers to a political and social organization formed in Hawaii during the late 19th century, primarily aimed at resisting the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and advocating for the rights and sovereignty of Native Hawaiians. This group played a crucial role in organizing opposition to foreign influence and promoting a sense of unity among Hawaiians during a time of significant political turmoil.
January 14, 1893: January 14, 1893, marks the date of the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani in Hawaii. This pivotal event involved a group of American and European businessmen, with the support of U.S. military forces, seeking to establish a provisional government and ultimately annex Hawaii to the United States. The actions taken on this day symbolize a significant turning point in Hawaiian sovereignty and reflect broader themes of imperialism and colonialism.
Queen Liliuokalani: Queen Liliuokalani was the last reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii, serving from 1891 until her overthrow in 1893. Her reign is marked by efforts to restore Hawaiian sovereignty and resist foreign influence, particularly from the United States, which culminated in a political struggle that led to her dethronement by a group of American and European businessmen and politicians.
Overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom: The overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom refers to the illegal removal of Queen Liliuokalani from power in 1893, which marked the end of the monarchy in Hawaii. This event was driven by a group of American and European business interests, supported by the U.S. government, leading to significant changes in Hawaii's political landscape and its eventual annexation by the United States. The overthrow has lasting implications for Hawaiian culture, identity, and sovereignty movements today.
Annexation of hawaii: The annexation of Hawaii refers to the formal incorporation of the Hawaiian Islands into the United States as a territory in 1898. This event followed the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani and was largely driven by American economic interests, especially in the sugar and pineapple industries. The annexation played a crucial role in shaping Hawaii's demographic landscape and its journey toward statehood.
Kūʻē petitions: Kūʻē petitions were formal documents created by Hawaiian subjects opposing the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani in 1893. These petitions expressed the desire of many Native Hawaiians to restore the monarchy and reject the influence of foreign powers, particularly the United States, in Hawaiian affairs. The petitions became a significant symbol of resistance against colonialism and highlighted the importance of sovereignty for the Hawaiian people.
John L. Stevens: John L. Stevens was the U.S. Minister to the Kingdom of Hawaii from 1893 to 1898, and he played a crucial role in the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani. His support for the annexation of Hawaii by the United States and his involvement in the coup against the queen made him a controversial figure in Hawaiian history. Stevens was instrumental in facilitating the actions of American and local business interests that sought to dethrone the queen, ultimately leading to the establishment of a provisional government.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cultural assimilation: Cultural assimilation is the process through which individuals or groups adopt the cultural traits and social patterns of another group, often leading to the loss of their original cultural identity. This process can occur voluntarily or involuntarily and has significant implications for social cohesion, identity, and diversity within a society.