January 17, 1893

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The overthrow was orchestrated by a group known as the Committee of Safety, composed mainly of American businessmen and local elites.
2. U.S. Minister to Hawaii, John L. Stevens, supported the overthrow by ordering U.S. Marines to land in Honolulu, which helped ensure the success of the coup.
3. Queen Liliuokalani was imprisoned in her own palace following the coup, highlighting the dramatic loss of power and autonomy for the Hawaiian monarchy.
4. The overthrow led to the establishment of a provisional government that sought immediate annexation to the United States, despite opposition from many Native Hawaiians.
5. The event has significant implications for discussions around colonialism and sovereignty, as it represents a critical moment in Hawaiian history where indigenous rights were disregarded.

Review Questions

• How did January 17, 1893, impact Queen Liliuokalani's reign and what were her subsequent actions?
  • The events of January 17, 1893, directly led to Queen Liliuokalani's removal from power and imprisonment within her palace. Following her overthrow, she initially sought to reclaim her throne and protect Hawaiian sovereignty through legal means. However, her efforts were thwarted by American interests that had taken control of Hawaiian governance. Eventually, she became a symbol of resistance against colonialism and advocated for Native Hawaiian rights throughout her life.
• Discuss the role of American intervention in the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani on January 17, 1893.
  • American intervention was crucial in facilitating the overthrow on January 17, 1893. The Committee of Safety, comprised largely of American businessmen with vested interests in Hawaii's economy, coordinated with U.S. Minister John L. Stevens, who dispatched U.S. Marines to support their efforts. This military presence was pivotal in intimidating loyalist forces and ensuring that resistance was quelled swiftly. The incident exemplified how U.S. expansionist policies undermined native governance and sovereignty.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of January 17, 1893, on Hawaiian identity and its implications for indigenous sovereignty.
  • The overthrow on January 17, 1893, had lasting consequences for Hawaiian identity and indigenous sovereignty. It marked a significant shift away from traditional governance towards foreign control, leading to cultural suppression and economic exploitation. In the decades following annexation, Native Hawaiians faced systemic marginalization that disrupted their cultural practices and identity. Today, this event remains a focal point for movements advocating for Hawaiian sovereignty and recognition of historical injustices against Native Hawaiians.

Related terms

Queen Liliuokalani:

The first and only reigning queen of Hawaii, she was an advocate for the rights of Native Hawaiians and opposed the annexation of Hawaii by the United States.

Bayonet Constitution:

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

Republic of Hawaii:

A short-lived government established after the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani, which operated from 1894 until Hawaii's annexation by the United States in 1898.