TODAY ONLY
January 17
US Overthrows Hawaiian Monarchy
On this day in 1893, under protest, Lili'uokalani Queen of Hawaii, gave in to the superior force of the US.
Where Pineapple is King... A group of American sugar planters under Sanford Ballard Dole overthrew Queen Lili'uokalani, the Hawaiian monarch. The planters established a new provincial government with Dole as president.
Who's Coup Is It, Anyway? The coup occurred with the foreknowledge of John L. Stevens, who was the US minister to Hawaii, but not with the approval of the US President. Three hundred US Marines were called to Hawaii, supposedly to protect American lives. They occupied the government buildings in Honolulu and deposed the queen.
Arriving on the Shores... The first known settlers of the Hawaiian Islands were Polynesian voyagers who arrived via canoe sometime in the 8th century. It was not until the early 18th century that the first American traders arrived in Hawaii in quest of the islands' sandalwood. Sandalwood was prized in China at the time.
Sugar, Sugar... In the 1830s, the sugar industry was introduced to Hawaii. By the middle of the 19th century, it was well-established.
Missionaries and Planters. American missionaries and planters brought about great changes in Hawaiian political, cultural, economic, and religious life.
Beginning of the End. In 1840, a constitutional monarchy was established. It stripped the Hawaiian monarch of much of his authority.
Making It Official. On February 1, Minister John Stevens recognized Dole's new government on his own authority and proclaimed Hawaii a US protectorate.
Not US Policy, But... Despite President Cleveland's orders, Dole established a provisional government in Hawaii. His forces put down the revolt by the royalists and jailed many of the queen's supporters.
End of the Throne. In 1895 Queen Lili'uokalani was put under the house arrest in the Iolani Palace for eight months. She gave up the throne in return for the release of her jailed supporters.
Forty Years of Change. For the next 40 years, Hawaii entered into a number of political and economic treaties with the United States. In 1887, as part of a new Hawaiian constitution, a US naval base was established at Pearl Harbor.
More Sugar, Sugar. As sugar exports to the US increased, US investors and American sugar planters on the islands took more and more control over Hawaiian affairs.
A Little History, Please... Lili'uokalani's brother, King David Kalakaua, ascended the throne in 1874. He gave much governing power to a cabinet composed of Americans. As a result, a new constitution was passed which gave voting rights to foreign residents but denied these rights to most Hawaiian natives. When King David Kalakaua died in 1891, Lili'uokalani succeeded to the throne.
Lili'uokalani's Mission. To preserve the islands for their native residents. She attempted to restore some of the power of the monarchy that had been lost during her brother's reign, through the political movement called Oni Pa'a ~ Stand Firm. That's when Lili'uokalani went head-to-head with the American colonists who controlled most of Hawaii's economy.
On This Day in 1893, a revolutionary Committee of Safety, organized by Sanford B. Dole, staged a coup against Queen Lili'uokalani. He had the silent support of the United States.
Unwilling to Make Waves. Cleveland didn't want to overthrow the government by force. In 1897, his successor, President William McKinley, negotiated a treaty with the Republic of Hawaii.
War. What Is It Good For? In 1898, the Spanish-American War broke out. The usefulness of the naval base at Pearl Harbor convinced Congress to approve formal annexation of Hawaii.
Join the US. Two years later, Hawaii was organized into a formal US territory. In 1959, it entered the United States as the 50th state.
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