8.2 Overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani

The overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani in 1893 marked a pivotal moment in Hawaiian history. It was sparked by the Bayonet Constitution of 1887, which stripped the monarchy of power, and the queen's attempts to restore monarchical authority through a new constitution.

The U.S. played a key role in the overthrow, with Minister John L. Stevens conspiring with anti-royalist factions. U.S. troops landed in Honolulu, creating an intimidating presence that supported the Committee of Safety's actions against the queen.

Events and Key Players in the Overthrow

Events of Queen Liliuokalani's overthrow

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• Bayonet Constitution of 1887 forced upon King Kalākaua by Hawaiian League stripped monarchy of power and disenfranchised Native Hawaiians and Asian immigrants

• Queen Liliuokalani's 1891 ascension to throne attempted to restore monarchical power by drafting new constitution

• Committee of Safety formed 1892 by pro-American businessmen and politicians (Lorrin A. Thurston) plotted to overthrow Hawaiian monarchy

• Queen's attempt to promulgate new constitution January 14, 1893 sparked opposition from anti-royalist factions

• John L. Stevens, U.S. Minister to Hawaii, conspired with Committee of Safety and ordered U.S. troops to Honolulu January 16, 1893

U.S. military in Hawaiian overthrow

• USS Boston anchored in Honolulu Harbor under Captain Gilbert C. Wiltse

• 162 U.S. Marines and sailors landed January 16, 1893 to "protect American lives and property"

• U.S. troops positioned near government buildings created intimidating presence and implicitly supported Committee of Safety

• Non-intervention policy meant U.S. troops didn't engage in combat but deterred royalist resistance

• Minister Stevens recognized Provisional Government before Queen's formal abdication, granting legitimacy

Native Hawaiian resistance efforts

• Queen Liliuokalani temporarily yielded power to avoid bloodshed and appealed to U.S. government for throne restoration

• Hui Aloha ʻĀina (Hawaiian Patriotic League) formed to oppose annexation and gathered Kūʻē Petitions signatures

• 1895 royalist counter-revolution attempt led by Robert Wilcox resulted in Queen Liliuokalani's arrest

• Cultural resistance preserved Hawaiian language and traditions (hula, mele)

• Legal challenges contested overthrow legitimacy in U.S. courts and appealed to international law

Aftermath of Hawaiian monarchy's fall

• Provisional Government proclaimed January 17, 1893 with Sanford B. Dole as president

• U.S. immediately recognized new government and Minister Stevens raised U.S. flag over buildings

• Protectorate status established with U.S. assuming responsibility for Hawaii's foreign relations

• Republic of Hawaii formed 1894 replacing Provisional Government, still led by Sanford B. Dole

• Blount Report July 1893 commissioned by President Cleveland concluded U.S. complicity in overthrow

• Cleveland's attempt to restore monarchy met Provisional Government resistance and lacked Congressional support

• Ongoing annexation debate delayed due to U.S. administration changes and policy shifts