Turning Tide Ch.10

The Overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy

Historical Context

The Overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy, particularly focused on Queen Lili'uokalani, is a significant topic within Hawaiian historiography, heavily influenced by prevailing narratives shaped by those who emerged as the victors. This historical event is not perceived as a spontaneous uprising but rather as a culmination of escalating tensions between the Hawaiian monarchy and colonizing foreign interests, particularly those from American settlers who sought greater control over Hawaii's economic and political landscapes. Lili'uokalani's attempts to restore her power unfolded against a backdrop of relentless annexationist pressures that aimed to integrate Hawaii into the United States political sphere and economy.

A crucial document that elucidates this historical moment is the "Blount Report" (1893), authored by James Henderson Blount, a former U.S. minister to Hawaii. This comprehensive report meticulously details the chain of events leading up to the overthrow, compiling firsthand testimonies and thorough records that reflect the complex political climate of the time. It encapsulates the motivations and actions of key players involved, revealing the collaborative dynamics between American business interests, U.S. governmental entities, and the local white settler community, who collectively operated in ways that undermined the sovereignty of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

The Queen's Struggle for Sovereignty

As 1892 drew to a close, Queen Lili'uokalani and her supporters became increasingly aware of the detrimental impact that the constitution imposed upon her brother, King Kalakaua, in 1887—often referred to as the Bayonet Constitution—had on the autonomy of the monarchy and the rights of the native Hawaiian populace. This constitution significantly curtailed the monarch's authoritative power and functioned to disenfranchise the majority of native Hawaiians, who were excluded from the political process. The document was created under coercive conditions by the Hawaiian League, a confluence of American and European elite interests, and was enforced with the support of a militarized faction known as the Honolulu Rifles.

In this oppressive political climate, the constitution effectively ensured that voting rights were concentrated in the hands of a small minority comprised predominantly of wealthy Caucasian settlers, leaving the majority of the native Hawaiian population without meaningful representation or vote. This disenfranchisement fostered a growing sense of discontent and a desire among the Hawaiian people for self-determination and sovereignty. Responding to these sentiments, Lili'uokalani sought to propose a new constitution aimed at reinstating the powers of the monarchy, elevating the political participation of native Hawaiians, and reversing the injustices wrought by the Bayonet Constitution.

However, these efforts met with fierce resistance from American colonial interests who feared the restoration of monarchical authority would destabilize their economic dominance and jeopardize their political supremacy in Hawaii. This intense struggle for political power, autonomy, and cultural identity laid the groundwork for the eventual overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy on January 17, 1893, an event that would leave an indelible mark on the islands' political landscape, social fabric, and cultural identity, setting in motion a series of events that would culminate in the annexation of Hawaii by the United States in 1898 and the profound societal transformations that followed.