US overthrow of Hawaiian Monarchy

  • Introduction to the Overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy

    • Movement towards a new constitutional convention post Kolhakova's death in 1891.
    • Kolhakova's sister (the queen) takes the throne in 1892, seen as an opportunity by the missionary party.
    • Initially believed they could control her under the existing constitution, but Hawaiians opposed it.

  • Queen's Response to Opposition

    • During her tour around the islands, the queen is delivered a petition with over 6,000 signatures demanding a new constitution.
    • The queen’s advisors encourage her to legally reclaim power and draft a new constitution to reestablish her authority.
    • She emphasizes the need to follow legal procedures outlined in the 1887 constitution.

  • Government Takeover and U.S. Involvement

    • The establishment of a new government in August 1893, supported by U.S. Marines, effectively acts as an illegal takeover.
    • The Hawaiian Kingdom government is overthrown on January 17, 1893, viewed as an act of war.
    • The available public hospitals and social welfare systems are affected by the changes in governance.

  • Formation of Political Associations

    • In March 1893, a significant political association loyal to the queen is formed with about 20,000 members.
    • The queen advises patience, believing the U.S. could rectify the situation should they file a protest.

  • International Responses and the Push for Restoration

    • International protests from Japan and England warnings against aggression towards Hawaii, though no military action occurs.
    • President Cleveland expresses a desire to restore the queen but faces political challenges.
    • Occupation leads to denationalization policies aiming to erase Hawaiian national identity.

  • The Process of Denationalization

    • Control of the education system is established; teaching is focused on erasing national consciousness.
    • The aim is to create a disconnect from Hawaiian identity throughout generations, particularly in schools (English immersion).

  • Formation of a New Government

    • By 1894, the insurgents realize they cannot maintain control without initializing a working government.
    • They create a constitution for a new republic that excludes voting rights for many demographics, including African Americans.

  • Continued Resistance and Arrests

    • Tensions escalate in 1895 leading to violent confrontations and arrests of many supporters of the queen, including children.
    • Political and civil repression increases, with arrests targeting leaders of the resistance.

  • Annexation Efforts and Propaganda

    • The annexation process follows a controversial path, bypassing treaties for easier resolutions in Congress.
    • Critical examination of laws surrounding land ownership and natural sovereignty is elaborated.

  • The Role of Education in Cultural Erasure

    • School systems reinforced a narrative that denigrated native Hawaiian culture, supported by harmful historical depictions in textbooks.
    • Educational policies were implemented to suppress Hawaiian language and heritage.

  • The Political Landscape Post-overthrow

    • John Tyler Morgan's role in creating Hawaiian territory governance reflected racist ideologies being introduced into legal frameworks.
    • The subsequent treatment of native Hawaiians demonstrates systematic oppression through policy and education leading up to statehood in 1959.

  • Statehood and the Illusion of Choice

    • UN declarations surrounding self-determination are explored; statehood is presented as the only viable option for Hawaiians in the 1959 vote.
    • A lack of acknowledgment of Hawaiian sovereign rights under international law continues.

  • Restoration of Hawaiian Sovereignty

    • Recognition by international bodies of the Hawaiian Kingdom under occupation persists, challenging U.S. claims over the territory.
    • The growing awareness of Hawaii's historical context and the reality of occupation leads to renewed discussions about sovereignty and rights for the Hawaiian people.

  • Conclusion on the Impact of History and Awareness

    • The discourse emphasizes the importance of understanding Hawaii's past to address current issues of sovereignty, identity, and rights.
    • Calls for recognition that the Hawaiian Kingdom continues to exist, advocating for respect and restoration of its sovereignty alongside international law principles.