Overthrow of hawaiian monarchy

Definition

The overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy refers to the events that led to the forced removal of Queen Liliʻuokalani in 1893, which marked the end of the native Hawaiian royal rule and set the stage for Hawaii's eventual annexation by the United States. This significant historical moment was driven by a combination of internal political dissent, economic interests of American sugar planters, and support from the U.S. government, ultimately leading to a drastic shift in governance and control over Hawaiian lands and people.

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 and European businessmen and residents who sought to protect their economic interests.
2. Queen Liliʻuokalani attempted to restore her authority by proposing a new constitution, but her efforts were thwarted by both local opposition and U.S. military intervention.
3. Following her overthrow, Liliʻuokalani was placed under house arrest, and she later wrote about her experiences and resistance against this injustice.
4. The overthrow was recognized by some as a coup d'état, raising questions about the legality and morality of U.S. involvement in Hawaiian affairs.
5. This event led to a significant change in land ownership and governance in Hawaii, with native Hawaiians losing much of their rights and autonomy.

Review Questions

• What were the key motivations behind the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, and how did they reflect broader trends in U.S. foreign policy during that era?
  • The key motivations behind the overthrow included economic interests from American sugar planters who wanted to avoid tariffs and gain more control over Hawaii's resources. This reflects broader trends in U.S. foreign policy during that era, where expansionism and imperialism were prominent. The desire for economic dominance combined with strategic military interests, as Hawaii was seen as a vital location for trade routes and military bases, drove American involvement in the overthrow.
• Analyze how the Bayonet Constitution contributed to tensions leading up to the overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani.
  • The Bayonet Constitution significantly undermined the power of King Kalākaua and his successors by stripping away critical executive powers and limiting voting rights to wealthy landowners, many of whom were foreign nationals. This discontent among native Hawaiians set a precedent for resistance against foreign influence in governance. The constitution created an atmosphere of political unrest that fueled dissatisfaction with monarchical rule, contributing to the organized efforts that ultimately led to Liliʻuokalani's overthrow.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy on native Hawaiian identity and land rights within contemporary discussions about sovereignty.
  • The overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy has had lasting implications for native Hawaiian identity and land rights, as it marked the beginning of a protracted struggle against colonialism and loss of sovereignty. Today, discussions around Hawaiian sovereignty often center on restoring self-governance and addressing historical injustices related to land dispossession. The legacy of the monarchy's overthrow continues to inspire movements aimed at cultural preservation and advocacy for reparative justice within both local communities and legal frameworks.

Related terms

Bayonet Constitution:

A document imposed on King Kalākaua in 1887 under duress, which severely limited the monarch's power and increased the influence of American and foreign interests in Hawaii.

Annexation:

The process by which Hawaii became a territory of the United States in 1898 following the overthrow of the monarchy, culminating in statehood in 1959.

Republic of Hawaii:

The temporary government established after the overthrow, led by figures who supported annexation and aimed to secure U.S. recognition and control over Hawaii.