The dark history of the overthrow of Hawaii - Sydney Iaukea

Summary

In 1895, Queen Lili’uokalani of Hawaii was deposed by a group with US ties, the Missionary Party, who sought to annex Hawaii. The queen, a member of the native ali’i nobility, had faced numerous challenges, including the Bayonet Constitution that stripped native rights. Despite imprisonment and the eventual US annexation, she fought for her people's rights and land restoration, leaving a legacy of resilience and resistance.

Takeaways

• 👑 Queen Lili’uokalani was Hawaii’s queen during a tumultuous period in its history.
• 📜 American missionaries who arrived in Hawaii 75 years prior to her reign amassed power and influenced the kingdom.
• 🌿 The missionaries and ali’i, the Hawaiian nobility, initially worked together to establish Hawaii as a constitutional monarchy.
• 🔄 However, the prospect of exporting sugar tariff-free to the US led some missionary descendants to form the 'Missionary Party', seeking to annex Hawaii.
• 🛡️ The Bayonet Constitution, forced upon King Kalākaua, stripped Native Hawaiians of rights and diminished the monarchy's power.
• 👑 Lili’uokalani ascended to the throne determined to restore power to her people after her brother's reign and the Bayonet Constitution.
• 🏰 A coup led by the 'Committee of Safety', many of whom were Missionary Party members, resulted in Queen Lili’uokalani's overthrow.
• 🇺🇸 Over 160 US Marines were involved in the coup, which led to the establishment of a Republic and further suppression of Hawaiian rights.
• 📜 Lili’uokalani was forced to sign a document relinquishing her throne and was imprisoned in the palace.
• 💔 Despite her efforts and a trip to Washington, D.C., with support, Hawaii was declared a US territory in 1898, against international law.
• 🌻 Queen Lili’uokalani spent her remaining years advocating for the restoration of her lands and the rights of Native Hawaiians.

Q & A

What significant event occurred on January 16th, 1895?

On January 16th, 1895, Queen Lili’uokalani of Hawaii was arrested and imprisoned by a group that had recently seized power.

Who were the American missionaries and what was their initial role in Hawaii?

The American missionaries were religious leaders who arrived in Hawaii 75 years earlier and quickly amassed power by building businesses and claiming land. They worked closely with the ali’i, the Hawaiian nobility, and helped establish Hawaii as a sovereign kingdom.

What was the Bayonet Constitution and what were its effects?

The Bayonet Constitution was legislation forced upon King Kalākaua by the Missionary Party, which stripped Native Hawaiians of their rights, diminished the monarchy's power, and ceded control to a group of white businessmen.

What was the Missionary Party and what did they plot?

The Missionary Party was a political group formed by descendants of the American missionaries who shifted their positions to pursue business opportunities. They plotted to annex Hawaii and bring it under US control.

How did Queen Lili’uokalani respond to the challenges she faced upon assuming the throne?

Queen Lili’uokalani was determined to restore power to her people despite death threats and rumors of insurgency. She authored a new constitution to address the issues.

What was the 'Committee of Safety' and what did they do?

The 'Committee of Safety' was an organization consisting of many Missionary Party members who staged a coup on January 17th, 1893, removing Queen Lili’uokalani from office and leading to the declaration of Hawaii as a Republic.

What was the Republic's response to the counterrevolution attempt by Lili’uokalani's supporters?

The Republic responded brutally to the counterrevolution attempt, jailing hundreds and sentencing six people to death. Lili’uokalani was forced to sign a document relinquishing her throne and was imprisoned.

What actions did Queen Lili’uokalani take while under house arrest?

While under house arrest, Queen Lili’uokalani composed songs expressing her love for her people and began making a patchwork quilt that told the story of her life.

What was the outcome of Queen Lili’uokalani's trip to Washington, D.C.?

Queen Lili’uokalani traveled to Washington, D.C. with Hawaiian nationalists and over 20,000 signatures, successfully convincing Congress to halt the Republic’s annexation treaty.

How did President William McKinley's actions affect Hawaii and Queen Lili’uokalani?

President William McKinley declared Hawaii a US territory on July 7th, 1898, breaking international law and devastating Queen Lili’uokalani and her people.

What was Queen Lili’uokalani's legacy and what did she say about Hawaii’s children?

Queen Lili’uokalani left a resilient legacy of commitment to her land and people. She said, 'It is for them that I would give the last drop of my blood,' referring to Hawaii’s children.