The overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1893 was a pivotal moment that changed the course of Hawaiian history forever.
It marked the end of a sovereign native monarchy and led directly to the annexation of Hawaii by the United States. This event continues to resonate deeply within Hawaiian society, symbolizing both loss and resilience.
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Background: Hawaii Before the Overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii
Before the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii, the islands were an independent monarchy with a rich culture and established governance.
The Kingdom of Hawaii was unified in 1795 by King Kamehameha I, who brought together the islands under one rule after years of conflict.
The monarchy maintained stability and fostered Hawaiian traditions while adapting to increasing foreign contact.
In the 19th century, Hawaii became a hub for American missionaries, traders, and businessmen, particularly those involved in sugar plantations.
The Hawaiian economy grew rapidly, but so did foreign influence, particularly from American and European settlers who gained land and political power.
The Rising Tensions Leading to the Overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii
By the late 1800s, tensions mounted between native Hawaiians and the growing class of foreign businessmen and settlers. These settlers sought to protect their investments and often pushed for political reforms that favored their interests.
The Reciprocity Treaty of 1875, which allowed Hawaiian sugar to enter the U.S. duty-free, increased American economic dominance on the islands.
Many American plantation owners believed that closer ties to the U.S. would benefit their businesses, even at the expense of Hawaiian sovereignty.
Queen Liliʻuokalani’s Efforts to Restore Hawaiian Sovereignty
Queen Liliʻuokalani ascended the throne in 1891, inheriting a kingdom under pressure. A staunch defender of Hawaiian rights and culture, she sought to reverse the political gains of the foreign elite by proposing a new constitution.
This constitution aimed to restore power to the monarchy and native Hawaiians by limiting the voting rights of wealthy landowners, many of whom were foreigners.
Her proposed constitution was seen as a threat by American businessmen and political leaders. It became the catalyst for the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii.
The Overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii: The Coup of 1893
On January 17, 1893, a coalition of American and European businessmen, with the support of U.S. Minister John L. Stevens and a detachment of U.S. Marines from the USS Boston, orchestrated the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii.
The presence of U.S. troops played a critical role in intimidating the Queen’s supporters and ensuring the coup’s success.
Queen Liliʻuokalani, facing overwhelming force and to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, surrendered and formally abdicated her throne under protest.
The provisional government, led by Sanford B. Dole, immediately declared itself the ruling authority and sought annexation by the United States.
The Role of the United States in the Overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii
The involvement of the United States in the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii has been a subject of controversy and historical debate.
U.S. Minister Stevens openly supported the coup and ordered the landing of Marines, actions that many argue constituted illegal interference in the affairs of a sovereign nation.
President Grover Cleveland, upon taking office, condemned the overthrow and called for the restoration of the Queen. He sent investigator James Blount to Hawaii, who concluded that the overthrow was illegal and that U.S. officials had improperly aided the coup.
Despite these findings, political realities in Washington shifted. Cleveland’s efforts were blocked by the provisional government and the U.S. Senate, and the next administration under President William McKinley was supportive of annexation.
Annexation and the End of the Hawaiian Monarchy
In 1898, amidst the Spanish-American War and rising American imperial ambitions, Hawaii was officially annexed by the United States through the Newlands Resolution.
The islands became a U.S. territory, and the Hawaiian monarchy was permanently dissolved.
The annexation was driven by strategic military considerations, including the desire for a naval base at Pearl Harbor, and by economic interests tied to plantation owners and businessmen.
The Lasting Legacy of the Overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii
The overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii resulted in lasting consequences for the native Hawaiian people. The loss of sovereignty meant the erosion of traditional Hawaiian governance, culture, and language.
Native Hawaiians faced increasing marginalization as American laws and customs replaced native institutions.
Efforts to preserve Hawaiian culture, language, and identity have been ongoing for decades, including the Hawaiian Renaissance movement in the 1970s.
Today, many native Hawaiians view the overthrow as a historical injustice that requires acknowledgment, reconciliation, and sometimes calls for political sovereignty or greater autonomy.
Why the Overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii Matters Today
The overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii is more than a historical event; it is a symbol of colonialism and resistance. It raises important questions about indigenous rights, national identity, and the legacy of American expansionism.
For scholars, activists, and residents, understanding this event is key to addressing ongoing social and political challenges in Hawaii.
It is also essential to recognizing the resilience of the Hawaiian people and their ongoing efforts to reclaim their history and culture.