Overthrow of the monarchy

Definition

The overthrow of the monarchy refers to the event in which the Hawaiian Kingdom's royal family was deposed from power, leading to the end of the monarchy and the establishment of a provisional government. This significant political change occurred in 1893, fueled by both internal dissent and external pressures, primarily from American interests. The upheaval disrupted traditional Hawaiian social structures, including the kapu system that governed societal order and hierarchy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The overthrow was carried out by a group of American and European businessmen and sugar planters, aided by U.S. Marines who landed in Honolulu under the pretext of protecting American lives and property.
2. Following the overthrow, Queen Liliʻuokalani was imprisoned in her palace, marking a significant loss of sovereignty for Hawaiians.
3. The overthrow led to widespread protests among native Hawaiians and sparked debates about national identity, sovereignty, and colonialism.
4. The provisional government eventually sought annexation by the United States, which was officially achieved in 1898 through the Newlands Resolution.
5. The overthrow and subsequent annexation had lasting impacts on Hawaiian culture, society, and politics, leading to ongoing movements for sovereignty and recognition of native rights.

Review Questions

• How did the social hierarchy and kapu system influence the events leading up to the overthrow of the monarchy?
  • The social hierarchy and kapu system played a crucial role in maintaining traditional power structures within Hawaiian society. The monarchy was seen as a divine institution, with the king or queen holding both political and spiritual authority. However, as economic changes occurred due to foreign influence, this hierarchy began to weaken. The resentment towards royal authority from both local elites and foreign settlers contributed to tensions that ultimately led to the monarchy's overthrow.
• Evaluate the role of foreign intervention in the overthrow of the monarchy in Hawaii.
  • Foreign intervention was pivotal in the overthrow of the monarchy, particularly through the actions of American businessmen and sugar planters who sought greater control over Hawaiian resources. They formed a coup with support from U.S. military forces, highlighting how external economic interests manipulated local politics. This intervention not only resulted in the dismantling of Hawaiian sovereignty but also marked a shift toward increased American influence in Hawaii’s governance.
• Analyze the long-term implications of the overthrow of the monarchy on Hawaiian identity and sovereignty movements.
  • The overthrow of the monarchy has had profound long-term implications for Hawaiian identity and sovereignty movements. Following their loss of political power, native Hawaiians experienced cultural suppression and a disconnection from their traditional practices. This historical trauma fueled modern movements advocating for native rights and recognition of sovereignty. Today, many Hawaiians seek to restore their cultural heritage and gain political autonomy, demonstrating how historical events continue to shape contemporary issues surrounding identity and governance in Hawaii.

Related terms

Queen Liliʻuokalani: The last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom, she was deposed during the overthrow in 1893 and was a strong advocate for Hawaiian sovereignty.

Bayonet Constitution: A constitution forced upon King Kalākaua in 1887 that significantly reduced the power of the monarchy and expanded the rights of foreign landowners.

Provisional Government: The temporary government established following the overthrow of the monarchy, primarily composed of American and European interests aiming to annex Hawaii to the United States.