Liliʻuokalani

Definition

Liliʻuokalani was the last reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii, serving from 1891 until 1893. Her reign was marked by efforts to restore Hawaiian sovereignty and resist the growing influence of American interests, which ultimately led to her overthrow. Liliʻuokalani's legacy includes her fight for the rights of Native Hawaiians and her significant contributions to Hawaiian music and culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Liliʻuokalani attempted to create a new constitution to restore power to the monarchy and reduce foreign influence, but her efforts were thwarted by a coup led by American settlers.
2. She was imprisoned in her own palace during the overthrow but remained a symbol of resistance against annexation throughout her life.
3. Liliʻuokalani composed over 160 songs, with 'Aloha ʻOe' being one of her most famous pieces, showcasing her dedication to Hawaiian culture.
4. After her overthrow, she traveled to Washington, D.C., to seek support for reinstating the monarchy but was ultimately unsuccessful.
5. Her legacy endures in contemporary movements advocating for Native Hawaiian rights and sovereignty.

Review Questions

• What were the main actions taken by Liliʻuokalani during her reign that demonstrated her commitment to Hawaiian sovereignty?
  • Liliʻuokalani's commitment to Hawaiian sovereignty was evident through her efforts to draft a new constitution aimed at restoring power to the monarchy and curtailing foreign influence. She also spoke out against the Bayonet Constitution, which had previously stripped royal authority from her brother, King Kalākaua. Her resistance against American interests culminated in her efforts to rally support from Native Hawaiians and assert their rights during her reign.
• Discuss the factors that led to Liliʻuokalani's overthrow and how they reflect broader tensions between native governance and American imperialism.
  • Liliʻuokalani's overthrow was largely driven by increasing tensions between native governance and American imperialism. The economic interests of American planters, combined with political maneuvering from U.S. officials, created an environment ripe for coup. The Bayonet Constitution had already diminished monarchical power, leading to a power struggle that culminated in her ousting. This event illustrates how imperialism often undermined indigenous leadership and sovereignty.
• Evaluate Liliʻuokalani's impact on modern Hawaiian identity and the ongoing discussions surrounding sovereignty and cultural preservation.
  • Liliʻuokalani's impact on modern Hawaiian identity is profound as she symbolizes resilience against colonial forces and a commitment to cultural preservation. Her advocacy for Native Hawaiian rights laid the groundwork for contemporary movements seeking recognition of sovereignty and restoration of cultural practices. Today, discussions about Hawaiian identity often reference her legacy, as she embodies the struggle for self-determination, influencing both political activism and artistic expressions within Hawaii's rich cultural landscape.

Related terms

Overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy: The 1893 coup that resulted in the ousting of Queen Liliʻuokalani, primarily orchestrated by American businessmen and supported by the U.S. government.

Bayonet Constitution:

The 1887 constitution imposed on King Kalākaua, significantly limiting royal power and increasing the influence of American and European residents in Hawaii.

Annexation:

The formal incorporation of Hawaii into the United States in 1898, which followed the overthrow of Liliʻuokalani and established Hawaii as a U.S. territory.