January 16, 1893

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The overthrow was facilitated by the U.S. military presence in Hawaii, with U.S. troops landing on the island just prior to the coup.
2. The group behind the coup was known as the Committee of Safety, composed primarily of American planters and businessmen who opposed Liliuokalani's policies.
3. Liliuokalani's efforts to establish a new constitution that would restore her power were met with resistance from those who had benefited from the previous Bayonet Constitution.
4. After the coup, Liliuokalani was placed under house arrest and ultimately surrendered her authority to avoid bloodshed.
5. The overthrow set in motion a series of events that led to Hawaii's annexation by the United States in 1898, culminating in its statehood in 1959.

Review Questions

• How did the actions taken on January 16, 1893, reflect broader themes of imperialism and economic interests in Hawaii?
  • The events of January 16, 1893, exemplify how imperialism and economic interests played a critical role in shaping Hawaiian history. The overthrow was driven by American and European businessmen seeking to protect their investments and gain control over Hawaii’s rich resources. This reflects a larger pattern of foreign intervention in sovereign nations during this period, where economic gain often overshadowed respect for local governance and cultural autonomy.
• Discuss President Cleveland's response to the overthrow and how it impacted relations between Hawaii and the United States.
  • President Cleveland strongly opposed the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani, calling it an act of injustice against a sovereign ruler. He sought to restore her to power but faced significant opposition from those who had benefited from the coup. Cleveland's response complicated U.S.-Hawaiian relations as it highlighted a division between imperial ambitions and moral responsibility. Ultimately, his efforts failed, leading to further consolidation of American power in Hawaii.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Queen Liliuokalani's overthrow on Hawaiian identity and its historical narrative.
  • The overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani significantly altered Hawaiian identity and its historical narrative. The loss of sovereignty led to a struggle for cultural preservation among Native Hawaiians who faced increasing Americanization and displacement. In contemporary times, this event is seen as a pivotal moment that fuels ongoing discussions about sovereignty, reparations, and cultural revival among Native Hawaiians. The narrative surrounding January 16, 1893, has evolved into a symbol of resilience against colonial oppression.

Related terms

Bayonet Constitution:

A constitution imposed on King Kalakaua in 1887 that significantly reduced the power of the monarchy and increased the influence of foreign interests in Hawaii.

Cleveland's Response: President Grover Cleveland's reaction to the overthrow, which included an attempt to restore Queen Liliuokalani to power and a strong condemnation of the actions taken by American interests.

Republic of Hawaii:

The political entity that replaced the monarchy after the overthrow, declared in 1894, which was heavily influenced by American business interests.