Bayonet Constitution

Definition

The Bayonet Constitution was a document imposed on King Kalākaua of Hawaii in 1887 that significantly reduced the power of the monarchy and expanded the voting rights of wealthy landowners, particularly those of foreign descent. This constitution was created under pressure from the Committee of Safety, a group of primarily American and European businessmen and sugar planters, who sought to gain control over Hawaiian politics and economy. The name reflects the coercive methods used, as it was presented to the king at gunpoint.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Bayonet Constitution was forced upon King Kalākaua in 1887, significantly diminishing his powers and limiting suffrage to wealthy landowners.
2. It was engineered by the Committee of Safety, which included many individuals who had vested interests in Hawaiian sugar plantations and aimed to maintain their economic dominance.
3. The constitution effectively disenfranchised many native Hawaiians and other residents who did not meet property ownership requirements.
4. The Bayonet Constitution laid the groundwork for the eventual overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani in 1893, as it weakened the monarchy’s influence over governance.
5. This constitution was a critical step toward Hawaii's annexation by the United States, leading to its eventual statehood.

Review Questions

• How did the Bayonet Constitution alter the power dynamics within Hawaiian governance?
  • The Bayonet Constitution shifted power from the monarchy to a small group of wealthy landowners, primarily of foreign descent. By limiting voting rights to those who owned property and were often American or European, it effectively sidelined native Hawaiians from political participation. This change not only reduced the king's authority but also paved the way for increased foreign influence in Hawaiian affairs.
• Discuss how the actions of the Committee of Safety contributed to the establishment of the Bayonet Constitution.
  • The Committee of Safety played a pivotal role in crafting and enforcing the Bayonet Constitution by using intimidation tactics against King Kalākaua. They presented him with the constitution at gunpoint, illustrating their determination to secure their interests in Hawaii. Their influence helped reshape Hawaiian governance in favor of foreign landowners and set the stage for future political maneuvers that culminated in the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Bayonet Constitution on Hawaiian sovereignty and its relationship with the United States.
  • The Bayonet Constitution had profound long-term implications for Hawaiian sovereignty, as it marked a significant loss of power for native governance. This shift facilitated the eventual overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani and led to Hawaii becoming a territory of the United States in 1898. The disenfranchisement of native Hawaiians laid a foundation for ongoing issues surrounding identity, rights, and sovereignty that continue to resonate today in discussions about self-determination and recognition of indigenous rights.

Related terms

Committee of Safety:

A group of American and European businessmen who played a key role in overthrowing the Hawaiian monarchy and establishing a provisional government.

Queen Liliuokalani:

The last reigning monarch of Hawaii, who sought to restore power to the monarchy and opposed the Bayonet Constitution.

Provisional Government:

The temporary government established by the Committee of Safety following the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani, which paved the way for annexation by the United States.