Blue Pacific Publications

The 1893 Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom: A Pivotal Moment in Hawaiian History

​The overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893 stands as a watershed moment in Hawaiian history, marking the end of the sovereign monarchy and setting the stage for Hawaii's eventual annexation by the United States.​ This complex event, steeped in political intrigue and cultural tension, continues to resonate with Hawaiians and historians alike.

Background and Context

By the late 19th century, the Hawaiian Kingdom, under the rule of Queen Liliuokalani, was facing increasing pressure from American business interests and political factions. The kingdom had long been a target for economic exploitation due to its strategic location in the Pacific and its lucrative sugar industry.

Key figures in the overthrow included:

• Queen Liliuokalani: The last monarch of Hawaii, who sought to strengthen the monarchy and protect native Hawaiian rights.
• Sanford B. Dole: A prominent lawyer and son of American missionaries, who would become the president of the provisional government.
• John L. Stevens: The U.S. Minister to Hawaii, who played a controversial role in supporting the coup.

The Events of January 17, 1893

On January 17, 1893, a group of American and European businessmen, supported by U.S. Marines, staged a coup against Queen Liliuokalani. The sequence of events unfolded as follows:

1. A group calling themselves the "Committee of Safety" organized to overthrow the monarchy.
2. U.S. troops were landed from the USS Boston, ostensibly to protect American lives and property.
3. The conspirators occupied government buildings and proclaimed a provisional government.
4. Queen Liliuokalani, hoping to avoid bloodshed, yielded her authority under protest, believing the United States would eventually restore her to the throne.

Immediate Aftermath

The overthrow led to the establishment of a provisional government led by Sanford B. Dole. This government quickly sought annexation by the United States, but President Grover Cleveland, upon investigation, deemed the overthrow illegal and called for the restoration of Queen Liliuokalani.

However, the provisional government refused to cede power, and in 1894, they established the Republic of Hawaii, with Dole as its president.

Long-term Consequences

The overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom had far-reaching consequences:

• It led to the eventual illegal annexation of Hawaii by the United States in 1898.
• It resulted in the loss of sovereignty for the Native Hawaiian people.
• It fundamentally altered the political, economic, and social landscape of Hawaii.
• It remains a source of controversy and a rallying point for Hawaiian sovereignty movements.

Historical Debate and Modern Perspectives

The events of 1893 continue to be debated by historians and the public. Some view it as a necessary step towards modernization and eventual statehood, while others see it as an illegal act of imperialism that violated the rights of the Hawaiian people.

In 1993, the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution apologizing for the overthrow, acknowledging the event as illegal and expressing regret for the "deprivation of the rights of Native Hawaiians to self-determination."

Conclusion

The overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893 remains a pivotal moment in Hawaiian history. It marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in Hawaii's relationship with the United States. Understanding this event is crucial for comprehending the complex political and cultural landscape of modern Hawaii and the ongoing discussions about Hawaiian sovereignty and identity.