key term - Sanford B. Dole

Definition

Sanford B. Dole was a prominent figure in Hawaiian history, serving as the president of the Republic of Hawaii after the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani. He played a crucial role in the annexation of Hawaii by the United States and was a key advocate for the interests of American settlers in Hawaii during a time of significant political change. His leadership and actions significantly influenced the trajectory of Hawaii's relationship with the United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dole was born on April 23, 1844, in Honolulu and became a successful lawyer and businessman before entering politics.
2. He was a member of the Committee of Safety that orchestrated the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani in January 1893, leading to the establishment of a provisional government.
3. Dole served as the first president of the Republic of Hawaii from 1894 until it was annexed by the United States in 1898.
4. Under Dole's leadership, Hawaii underwent significant changes, including economic reforms and efforts to improve infrastructure.
5. Dole's administration actively sought annexation by the United States, believing it would provide economic stability and security for Hawaii.

Review Questions

• How did Sanford B. Dole's actions contribute to the political landscape of Hawaii during and after the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani?
  • Sanford B. Dole played a pivotal role in shaping Hawaii's political landscape following the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani. As a key member of the Committee of Safety, he helped orchestrate the coup that removed her from power. Once established as president of the Republic of Hawaii, Dole implemented policies that favored American interests and set the stage for eventual annexation by the United States, transforming Hawaii’s governance and aligning it more closely with U.S. political and economic frameworks.
• Discuss how Dole's presidency influenced economic policies and relationships with American settlers in Hawaii.
  • During his presidency, Sanford B. Dole focused on economic reforms that supported American business interests in Hawaii, particularly sugar plantations. His administration sought to modernize infrastructure and create favorable conditions for American investors, which strengthened ties between local businesses and mainland U.S. markets. Dole’s leadership helped solidify American dominance in Hawaii’s economy and ensured that decisions made were aligned with the interests of U.S. settlers rather than native Hawaiians.
• Evaluate the impact of Sanford B. Dole's advocacy for annexation on Hawaiian sovereignty and identity.
  • Sanford B. Dole's strong advocacy for annexation significantly impacted Hawaiian sovereignty and identity by effectively erasing an independent Hawaiian kingdom in favor of integration into the United States. His push for annexation was rooted in a belief that it would bring economic stability, yet it also meant the loss of political autonomy for native Hawaiians. This shift fundamentally altered Hawaii’s cultural landscape and identity, raising ongoing discussions about colonialism, self-determination, and the legacy of U.S. expansionism in Hawaiian history.

Related terms

Queen Liliuokalani:

The last reigning monarch of Hawaii, whose overthrow in 1893 led to the establishment of a provisional government supported by American interests.

Republic of Hawaii:

The government established after the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani in 1893, which Dole led as president until Hawaii was annexed by the United States in 1898.

Annexation:

The formal act of adding territory to a country, which in Hawaii's case, occurred when the United States officially incorporated Hawaii in 1898.