Lili'uokalani -- Hawaii's Last Queen (documentary excerpt)

Summary

Queen Liliʻuokalani, the last monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom, was overthrown in 1893 with the aid of U.S. Marines. Her reign was marked by a deep connection to both Hawaiian and Western cultures. Despite her efforts, she was deposed and exiled, leading to the annexation of Hawaii by the United States in 1898. Her life became a symbol of the lost kingdom, and her legacy continues to resonate in Hawaiian history.

Takeaways

• 👑 Queen Liliuokalani was the last monarch of the independent Kingdom of Hawaii, which had its own flag, national anthem, and parliament.
• ⚔️ In 1893, Queen Liliuokalani was overthrown with the help of the United States Marines, causing a great loss for the Hawaiian people.
• 📜 Liliuokalani was highly educated, versed in both Western and Hawaiian cultures, and she anticipated the challenges Hawaii would face.
• 🎶 A poet and composer, Queen Liliuokalani dined at the White House and visited Buckingham Palace, though she was unprepared for the political crisis that came with her reign.
• 🌺 After her overthrow, she believed the U.S. would recognize the mistake and reinstate her, but instead, the American flag was raised over the government building.
• 📚 During her imprisonment, Liliuokalani was denied reading materials except for her prayer book. She also embroidered a quilt that recorded important events of her life.
• 📝 Liliuokalani formally abdicated the throne to save her people, marking the end of the Hawaiian monarchy and the Kingdom of Hawaii.
• 🇺🇸 In 1898, during the Spanish-American War, Hawaii was formally annexed by the United States, becoming an important strategic point in the Pacific.
• 🎗️ During the annexation ceremony, the Hawaiian flag was lowered for the last time, and pieces were given to descendants of the missionaries as tokens of victory.
• 🌋 After Queen Liliuokalani’s death in 1917, strange natural events were recorded, like volcanic eruptions and the appearance of red fish, symbolizing the end of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Q & A

What was the significance of Queen Liliʻuokalani's reign in Hawaii?

Queen Liliʻuokalani was the last monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii and was beloved by her people. She was a symbol of Hawaiian culture and sovereignty, and her reign was marked by efforts to preserve the Hawaiian way of life and resist foreign influence.

How did the United States Marines contribute to the overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani?

The United States Marines helped to overthrow Queen Liliʻuokalani by assisting in her removal from the throne in 1893, which was a pivotal event that led to the end of the Hawaiian monarchy and the eventual annexation of Hawaii by the United States.

What was Queen Liliʻuokalani's response to the raising of the American flag over the government building?

Queen Liliʻuokalani expressed her distress and sadness in her diary, stating that time may wear off the feeling of injury, but she was deeply hurt to see a strange flag waving over her beloved Hawaiian flag.

Why did the Hawaiian people begin wearing hatbands that said 'Aloha' after the overthrow of the monarchy?

The Hawaiian people wore hatbands that said 'Aloha' as a form of peaceful protest and to express their patriotism and loyalty to their queen and the Hawaiian Kingdom after it was overthrown.

What was the significance of the quilts made with the Hawaiian flag during Queen Liliʻuokalani's time?

The quilts made with the Hawaiian flag were a form of silent protest against the banning of the flag and a way to keep the spirit of the Hawaiian Kingdom alive during a time when it was under threat.

How did Queen Liliʻuokalani spend her time during her imprisonment?

During her imprisonment, Queen Liliʻuokalani spent her time embroidering a quilt with a record of her life, praying, and creating other pieces, reflecting her resilience and the importance she placed on preserving her culture and legacy.

What was the condition under which Queen Liliʻuokalani formally abdicated the throne?

Queen Liliʻuokalani abdicated the throne under the threat that six of her people would be executed if she did not do so, which she did to protect her subjects.

How did the provisional government of Hawaii attempt to erase the Hawaiian Kingdom's history?

The provisional government attempted to erase the Hawaiian Kingdom's history by renaming the palace, declaring martial law, and enforcing a blackout of news, all in an effort to suppress the Hawaiian identity and culture.

What was the significance of the annexation of Hawaii by the United States in 1898?

The annexation of Hawaii by the United States in 1898 marked the end of the Hawaiian Kingdom and the beginning of Hawaii as a U.S. territory. It was a strategic move for the U.S. due to its location and was a significant loss for the Hawaiian people.

How did Queen Liliʻuokalani's death affect the Hawaiian people and their perception of her?

Queen Liliʻuokalani's death was deeply mourned by the Hawaiian people, and she became an embodiment of the Kingdom and its loss. The strange events following her funeral, such as volcanic eruptions and the seas turning an odd hue, were seen by some as the elements recognizing the end of the Kingdom.