Lorrin Thurston

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Thurston was a key figure behind the overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani, believing that annexation would benefit Hawaii's economy and political stability.
2. He served as a delegate to Washington, D.C., advocating for Hawaii's annexation to the United States after the overthrow.
3. Thurston was also influential in business, particularly in the sugar industry, which made him a powerful voice among American interests in Hawaii.
4. In addition to his political activities, he was one of the founders of the Hawaiian League, an organization promoting pro-annexation policies.
5. His legacy remains controversial, as many view him as a pivotal figure in undermining Hawaiian sovereignty and culture.

Review Questions

• How did Lorrin Thurston's actions influence the political landscape in Hawaii during his time?
  • Lorrin Thurston's actions significantly influenced Hawaii's political landscape by leading the charge against Queen Liliʻuokalani and promoting the overthrow of the monarchy. His involvement with the Committee of Safety was instrumental in orchestrating a provisional government that favored annexation to the United States. This shift not only altered governance in Hawaii but also established a precedent for foreign intervention in local politics, ultimately changing Hawaii's future.
• Evaluate how Lorrin Thurston's business interests intersected with his political ambitions regarding Hawaii's annexation.
  • Lorrin Thurston’s business interests, particularly in the sugar industry, were closely intertwined with his political ambitions. As an advocate for annexation, he believed it would create favorable conditions for American businesses to prosper without tariffs imposed on sugar exports. This economic motivation drove his support for policies that would benefit foreign investors at the expense of local governance, illustrating how economic and political agendas often collided during this period.
• Assess the long-term impacts of Lorrin Thurston's advocacy for annexation on Hawaiian culture and sovereignty.
  • The long-term impacts of Lorrin Thurston's advocacy for annexation have been profound and multifaceted, leading to significant cultural and sovereignty challenges for Hawaii. His push for annexation contributed to a loss of self-governance and diminished local control over cultural practices. This paved the way for extensive Americanization efforts that marginalized native Hawaiian identity and traditions, leaving a legacy of tension between preservation of Hawaiian culture and integration into a larger American narrative.

Related terms

Committee of Safety: A group formed by American and European residents in Hawaii that aimed to overthrow the Hawaiian monarchy and facilitate annexation to the United States.

Annexation: The process of adding territory to a country; in Hawaii's case, the act of incorporating the islands into the United States.

Bayonet Constitution: The 1887 constitution imposed on King Kalākaua under duress, which significantly limited the powers of the monarchy and increased the influence of American and foreign interests.