key term - Overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom

Definition

The overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom refers to the illegal removal of Queen Liliuokalani from power in 1893, which marked the end of the monarchy in Hawaii. This event was driven by a group of American and European business interests, supported by the U.S. government, leading to significant changes in Hawaii's political landscape and its eventual annexation by the United States. The overthrow has lasting implications for Hawaiian culture, identity, and sovereignty movements today.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Queen Liliuokalani was the last reigning monarch of Hawaii and was overthrown on January 17, 1893, after attempting to implement a new constitution to restore her powers.
2. The overthrow was facilitated by a group known as the Committee of Safety, which consisted mainly of American and European businessmen who feared losing their economic privileges.
3. U.S. Minister John Stevens played a crucial role in supporting the overthrow by providing military assistance and recognizing the provisional government that was established afterward.
4. The overthrow led to Hawaii's annexation by the United States in 1898 through the Newlands Resolution, which further marginalized Native Hawaiians and their governance.
5. The impact of the overthrow is still felt today, as it sparked ongoing discussions about Hawaiian identity, rights, and sovereignty among Native Hawaiians and their supporters.

Review Questions

• How did economic interests influence the events leading to the overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom?
  • Economic interests played a pivotal role in the overthrow as American and European businessmen sought to protect their lucrative sugar trade and land holdings in Hawaii. They were concerned that Queen Liliuokalani's attempts to restore power to the monarchy would threaten their profits. The Committee of Safety, made up of these businessmen, orchestrated the coup with support from U.S. military forces, demonstrating how commercial motives directly shaped this critical moment in Hawaiian history.
• Discuss the significance of the Bayonet Constitution in relation to Queen Liliuokalani's efforts to regain power following her overthrow.
  • The Bayonet Constitution severely limited the authority of King Kalākaua before Queen Liliuokalani ascended to the throne and set a precedent for diminished royal power. When she attempted to restore her authority through a new constitution, it was seen as a direct challenge to the existing power dynamics established by foreign interests. The tensions resulting from these political maneuvers ultimately contributed to her overthrow, illustrating how prior constitutional changes set the stage for her removal from power.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the overthrow on contemporary Hawaiian identity and sovereignty movements.
  • The overthrow has had profound and lasting effects on contemporary Hawaiian identity and sovereignty movements. It initiated a struggle for recognition and restoration among Native Hawaiians who view their historical monarchy as integral to their cultural heritage. Today, activists advocate for sovereignty and self-determination, aiming to address historical injustices stemming from U.S. annexation. The ongoing discussions about land rights, cultural preservation, and political autonomy reflect an enduring legacy that seeks to reclaim Hawaiian identity and agency in a post-overthrow context.

Related terms

Bayonet Constitution:

A manipulated constitution imposed on King Kalākaua in 1887 that restricted royal power and increased the influence of American businessmen in Hawaiian politics.

Coup d'état: A sudden and illegal seizure of power from a government, exemplified by the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani, which involved organized efforts by local elites.

Hawaiian Sovereignty Movement: A political movement advocating for the rights of Native Hawaiians and the restoration of the Hawaiian kingdom or greater autonomy for Hawaii.