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🌺hawaiian studies review

key term - Overthrow of 1893

Citation:

Definition

The overthrow of 1893 refers to the illegal coup that resulted in the removal of Queen Liliʻuokalani from power in the Kingdom of Hawaii. This event was driven by a group of American and European businessmen who formed the Committee of Safety, influenced by their economic interests and supported by the U.S. government, leading to the establishment of a provisional government and eventually Hawaii's annexation by the United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The overthrow was largely motivated by economic interests, particularly among sugar planters who wanted to eliminate tariffs that impacted their profits.
  2. Queen Liliʻuokalani attempted to restore her power through a new constitution, but her efforts were thwarted by the actions of the Committee of Safety.
  3. U.S. Minister John Stevens played a significant role in supporting the coup by ordering U.S. Marines to protect the interests of the provisional government.
  4. The overthrow led to widespread resistance among Native Hawaiians, many of whom viewed it as an illegitimate act that violated their sovereignty.
  5. Following the overthrow, Hawaii was declared a republic in 1894, but this government ultimately sought annexation by the United States, which was achieved in 1898.

Review Questions

  • What were the main motivations behind the formation of the Committee of Safety during the overthrow of 1893?
    • The Committee of Safety was primarily motivated by economic interests, particularly those related to sugar plantations owned by American and European businessmen. They sought to protect their financial investments and eliminate tariffs imposed on Hawaiian sugar exports. The group's actions reflected their desire for greater control over Hawaii's political landscape, which they believed was threatened by Queen Liliʻuokalani's attempts to restore Hawaiian sovereignty and establish a new constitution.
  • Analyze how foreign intervention played a role in the overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani and its consequences for Hawaii's political landscape.
    • Foreign intervention, especially from the United States, was crucial during the overthrow. U.S. Minister John Stevens facilitated the coup by sending U.S. Marines to support the provisional government and ensure the queen's removal. This intervention not only contributed to an immediate change in leadership but also had long-lasting implications for Hawaii's political landscape, as it paved the way for annexation and diminished native governance, fundamentally altering Hawaii's status in relation to foreign powers.
  • Evaluate the impact of the overthrow of 1893 on Native Hawaiian identity and resistance movements that followed.
    • The overthrow of 1893 significantly impacted Native Hawaiian identity and fueled resistance movements in subsequent years. Many Native Hawaiians viewed the coup as a direct assault on their sovereignty and cultural heritage, leading to a revival of pride in their identity and increased activism against annexation. This period saw efforts to reclaim Hawaiian language, traditions, and governance structures, which laid the groundwork for modern movements advocating for sovereignty and recognition of Native Hawaiian rights. The legacy of resistance continues today as communities strive to address historical injustices stemming from that pivotal moment.